Cultural Activities in 2023 (As on 24.3.2023)
- Start of Yoga Classes: Upon arrival of Shri Diptiranjan Mohanty, Teacher of Indian Culture; regular Yoga classes have been started since 1st March 2023. There are 03 classes of one hour each from 4 pm to 7 pm from Monday to Friday at the High Commission premises. 02 classes are there on Saturdays from 11 am to 12 pm and 12 pm to 1 pm.
- High Commissioner Shri G. Balasubramanian attended the HoliCelebration organised by Indian Association of Benin in Cotonou on 12 March, 2023. High Commissioner was on official tour to the concurrently accredited Republic of Benin.
- High Commissioner Shri G. Balasubramanian inaugurated the Indian Film Festival with Mrs Ugochi Akudo-Nwosu, Director from the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, Nigeria and ICA, Abuja on 11 March, 2023. The film festival is being organised in Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt in March 2023. In Abuja, three films – Nil Battey Sannata, Barelly ki Barfi and Hindi Medium were screened on 11, 12 & 18th March 2023. In Lagos, two films Barelly ki Barfi and Hindi Medium have been screened on 4 & 5th March 2023 while the third show is slated on 25.3.2023. In Port Harcourt, two films - Barelly ki Barfi and Hindi Medium will be screened on 24 & 25 March 2023. In the already screened movie shows at Abuja and Lagos, shows were house full. This brought together the Indian community members and the Nigerian Hindi film enthusiasts. More such shows are being planned in different cities of Nigeria in the year 2023-24.
- HCI Abuja, celebrated InternationalDay2023 on 07 March, 2023. 07 Women achievers including i. Hon. Dr Abike Dabiri Erewa, Sr Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora & Pioneer Chairman/ CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCO), ii. Professor Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye Director General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), iii. Ambassador Janet Olisa Director Overseeing the office of the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja, iv. Dr. Maimuna Abdullahi Habib Director and Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, v. Ms Hamisha Daryani Ahuja for her achievements in the field of Culture, vi. Ms. Ritu Sahajwalla, Managing Director Greenville Liquefied Natural Gas Ltd. and vii. Ms Sonali Gupta, Principal of the prestigious Indian Language School Lagos.
On this occasion, Exhibition on One District One Product (ODOP) showcasing the cultural products of India including Darjeeling Tea from West Bengal, Assam Tea from Assam, Nilgiri Tea from Tamil Nadu; Prayer Mats from Jammu & Kashmir, Attar from U.P. Tea Tasting stall was also placed in the Exhibition which was loved by the participants.
- Participation of a 15-member Nigerian Cultural Troupe in the 36th Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2023: The Troupe from the Nigerian Ministry of Information and Culture was sponsored by the Government of India & Government of Haryana visited India from 2nd - 20th February 2023. Nigerian troupe got two mentions for their performances - audience choice and VIP pick. HCI Abuja hosted the Troupe on their return from India on 21 February, 2023. The members were very happy for their experience in India.
- HCI, Abuja in collaboration with the Niger state celebrated Millets Food Festival & Cooking Competition on 28 January, 2023. The High Commission of India, Abuja celebrated Millets Food Festival & Cooking Competition on 28 th January, 2023 at the Chancery premises in presence in the members of Indian community, Nigerian dignitaries, and friends from Media. Around 400 people participated in the event. A high-Level Indian Delegation led by Additional Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Mr. Abhilaksh Likhi travelled to Abuja to participate in the event, taking SouthSouth Collaboration and Cooperation on Millets with Nigeria to next stage. The High Commission of India in Abuja organised this event in collaboration with the Niger State as a part of Nigeria Millet Initiative. H.E HRH Alh. Dr Yahaya Abubaker, Etsu Nupe & Chairman, Nigeria Millet Initiatives, H.E. Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim Matane, Secretary to the Government of Niger State, H.E Abubakar G. Abdullahi, Director Federal Department of Agriculture, Nigeria, Several Ambassadors, Traditional Rulers participated in the event. H.E HRH Alh. Dr Yahaya Abubaker, Mr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Additional Secretary, Director Federal Department of Agriculture and High Commissioner gave their remarks on the occasion.
On this occasion several restaurants put up their stalls and served food (prepared with millets) to the participants to promote the millets. Several exhibitions from IITA, ICRISAT, Niger State, Farmers Association of Nigeria and Nigerian Export Promotion Council also participated in the event. Apart from this showcase many partner organisations put up their food stalls including stall of Niger State showcasing Niger State Cuisine. A cooking competition was also organised by the High Commission of India in which 16 participants took part. Spouses of the Ambassadors of South Korea, Indonesia, Czech Republic, IITA Nutrition Expert and Chef of Johnwood Hotel were the jury of the competition. Several cultural performances from Niger State artists and from Federal Ministry of Information and Culture were also the part of the event.
- The High Commission of India, Abuja celebrated 74th Republic Day of India on 26th January, 2023 at the Chancery premises in presence in the members of Indian community, Nigerian dignitaries, and friends from Media. In addition to Abuja, celebrations were also held at Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt and across Benin and Chad by Indian nationals and local friends. Around 250 people participated in the event. Vibrant Cultural performances were presented by the members of Indian community and Nigerians. An official grand reception was organized by the High Commissioner at the Chancery Premises in the evening of 26th January, 2023. Hon’ble Minister of Interior H.E. Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Hon’ble Minister of Labour & Employment, Federal Republic of Nigeria, H.E. Sen Chris Ngige, Hon’ble Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, H.E. Chief Henry Ikechukwu Ikoh, Several Ambassadors, local dignitaries, members of the Diplomatic Corps, officers from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other Ministries of Government of Nigeria, representative of prominent business and prominent members of the Indian Community participated in the event. Rich cuisine of India was offered in the reception that followed the cultural performances from Indian as well as Nigerian artists.
High Commission of India celebrated World Hindi Day (WHD) and 17th Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas on 10 January, 2023. As part of World Hindi Day celebrations, Hindi Essay and poem competitions were organised. Winners were awarded in the Republic Day celebrations on 26th January 2023. Participants including Indian diaspora in Nigeria, Hindi enthusiasts from Nigeria and Chad participated in the online Hindi competitions in good numbers. As part of the PBD/WHD celebrations, video of PM’s remarks on PBD and WHD were played. Around 90 participants attended the event.
Cultural Activities from November 2022 to December 2022
- Mission participated in the Festival of Arts and Festival (FESTAC 2022) organised by CENTRE FOR BLACK AND AFRICAN CIVILIZATION (CBAAC), Federal Ministry of Information & Culture held in Abuja on 05-11 December 2022. High Commission in association with Indian community members participated in the Festival by putting exhibition stalls – Indian dresses, food and States tourism. Indian Women organised a fashion show in the closing ceremony held on 13.12.2023.
Media – Photo Gallery 2022
On 31 Oct 2022, as part of National Unity Day celebrations, an exhibition on life of "Sardar Patel" was held in various Schools, Universities, Shopping malls in Abuja, Lagos, Nasarawa states of Nigeria as well as Cotonou in the Republic of Benin
HCI, Abuja along with members of Indian Community and friends of India celebrated Rashtriya Ekta Diwas 2022 On 31 October 2022
HCI, Abuja celebrated 7th Ayurveda Day with participation from Federal Ministry of Health Nigeria, NAFDAC, Major hospitals, The Art of Living & Dabur on 23 October 2022
Diplomats, Ministry of Foreign Affairs representatives and Nigerian friends of India enjoyed the screening of the Indian film Ponniyin Selvan organised by the Indian community in Abuja on on 02 October 2022
High Commission of India, Abuja celebrated Gandhi Jayanti 2022 on 02 October 2022
Indian Cultural Association organised Navaratri celebrations and Dandiya dance saw the enthusiastic participation of the community in Abuja. on 01 October 2022
Onam Celebrations by the Malayalee Association Abuja was organised on 25th September 2022 in HCI, Abuja
HCI, Abuja Celebrated Hindi Day On 14 September 2022
Members of Yaarana Association in Chad Celebrated Hindi Diwas 2022 on 12 September 2022
HCI honoured the Nigerian Chess team that participated in the 44th Chess Olympiad, 2022 at Chennai on 12 September 2022
Maharashtra Mandal in Lagos grandly celebrated the 34th year of Ganesh Chathurthi at HMF temple, Ilupeju. HC and CG joined the devotees in the celebrations on 31 August 2022
Eco-friendly Bamboo Rakhis and message from President ICCR were distributed amongst Nigerian friends and cultural associations in Abuja on 29 August 2022
Hon'ble MoS, External Affairs, V. Muraleedharan addressed and interacted with Indian Diaspora at HCI Abuja on 22 August 2022, during an Indian Community Event.
High Commission of India, Abuja celebrated 76th Independence Day on 15 August 2022. Independence Day was also celebrated in Kaduna, Port Harcourt, Republic of Benin and Republic of Chad
As a part of 76th IndependenceDay and AKAM celebrations, HCI, Abuja organised a painting competition for children on 14 August 2022
As a part of 76th Independence Day and AKAM celebration, HCI, Abuja in partnership with Savannah Centre (SCDDD) organized conference on India - Nigeria relations on 11 Aug 2022
As a part of 76th IndependenceDay and AKAM celebration, the High Commission of India, Abuja organised a Run/Walk on 07 Aug 2022
Rich and colourful culture of Odisha was on display in Nigeria at the Jagannath Rath Yatra on 03/07/2022 organised by Bharat Hindu Temple and HCI, Abuja
HCI, Abuja Celebrated 8th IDY 2022 on 21 June 2022. Celebrations were also held in Kano, Kaduna and Republic of Benin
High Commission of India, Abuja organized a Curtain Raiser for International Day Of Yoga 2022 at Zuma Rock, on 11 June 2022
On World Bicycle Day, the Cycling federation in partnership with HCI, Abuja organized a cycle rally as an AmritMahotsav event on 03 Jun 2022
HCI, Abuja Honoured the sacred memory of Nobel Laureate Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore on 09 May 2022
HCI Abuja, ICA Abuja and Indian community members celebrated AKAM Sports week 2022 in Abuja on 3 May 2022
AHC Shri V.S.D.L. Surendra and officials of High Commission paid homage to the architect of the Indian Constitution Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on 14 April 2022
Cultural Troupe from the Nigerian Ministry of Information and Culture performed at 35th Surajkund Int. Craft Mela from 18 Mar to 5 Apr 2022
Holi Celebrations were organised in Abuja, on 18 March 2022, after a pandemic induced gap of 2 years!
Celebrations of the 73rd Republic Day of India (26 Jan 2022) were organized with presence and exhibition by Indian Companies.
HCI Abuja celebrate Makar Sankranthi in traditional style on 14 Jan 2022
HCI, Abuja participated in the virtual Youth Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas Conference on 09 Jan 2022
Culture 2021
Media – Photo Gallery 2021
Acting High Commissioner Mr V.S.D.L Surendra paying floral tribute during celebration of Mahaparinirvan Diwas of Dr B.R Ambedkar on 06 Dec 2021
High Commission celebrated Constitution Day on 26 Nov 2021
The visiting Gotipua Dance Troupe from ICCR conducted a Workshop at NCAC, Abuja on 2 Nov 2021.
ICCR Baba Gorekhnath Gotipua dance troupe performed at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Lagos on 06 Nov 2021
HCI, Abuja Celebrated Diwali on 3 Nov 2021
6th Ayurveda Day was celebrated at OHCI Lagos on 02 Nov 2021
Afri Theatre Cultural Troupe (Nigeria) participated in the 2nd National Tribal Dance Festival-2021 in Raipur from 28-30 Oct 2021
HCI, Abuja organized Special Yoga session on the occasion of celebration of Gandhi Jayanti on 02 Oct 2021.
भारतीय उच्चायोग के अधिकारियों ने 14 सितंबर को हिंदीदिवस भारतीय समुदाय, इंडियन लैंग्वेज स्कूल लागोस और हिंदी भाषा प्रेमियों के साथ मनाया।
President Rotary International Shri Shekhar Mehta was felicited, at the Mission premises on 6 Sep 2021
भारत हिंदू मंदिर, अबुजा ने 30 अगस्त 2021 को जन्माष्टमी के पावन पर्व को पूरे हर्षोल्लास और जोश के साथ मनाया।
High Commissioner handed over the The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award conferred by Hon'ble President of India to Indian Cultural Association Lagos on 21 August 2021
To mark 75 years of India's Independence, HCI, together with NCF and ICA, Abuja organized a cricket tournament "India-Nigeria Friendship Cup" on 08 Aug 2021
High Commission organized a painting competition at the Mission on 07 Aug 2021
High Commission organized a special therapeutic Yoga session on "Healing our lower back and neck" at the Mission on 7 Aug 2021
On the occasion of Lord Jagannath Ratha Yatra celebration at Abuja (on 11 July 2021) High Commissioner led the Chera Pahara, and dedicated the India Study corner to the Temple
High Commissioner Abhay Thakur inaugurated the Yoga Shivir Yoga Studio in Lagos, on 28 June 2021
HCI, Abuja organised celebrations of the 7th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2021 on 19 June 2021
Celebration of the 7th International Day of Yoga (IDY 2021) by Friends of India at Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna on 20 June 2021. Yaarana Association in Chad also organized IDY celebrations on 20 June 2021.
High Commissioner attended the finals of the North Central Zone ODI Cricket Tournament on 13 June 2021
A Virtual Interactive session with MoS, External Affairs Shri V. Muraleedharan, with members of Indian community based in Nigeria, Benin, and Chad was organised on 4th June 2021
On World Bicycle Day, the Cycling rally was flagged off from the Mission by High Commissioner on 03 June 2021
Celebration of 71st Foundation Day of ICCR was organised on 9th April 2021
Cultural Activities 2020
Media – Press Releases
Closing ceremony of commemoration of the 150th Birth Anniversary Year of Mahatma Gandhi was organised on 02 October 2020 
Celebration of 74th Independence Day of India at HCI Abuja and OHCI Lagos on 15th August 2020
Cultural Activities 2019:
Media - Photos
70th Republic Day of India was celebrated at the High Commission of India, Abuja on 26 January 2019.
Celebration of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas and World Hindi Day 2019 was organized on 9 January 2019
Media – Press Releases
Celebration of 5th International Day of Yoga in Abuja, Nigeria was organized on 15 June 2019
Celebration of World Bicycle Day 2019 on 3 June 2019
Celebration of ICCR Foundation Day was organized by HCI, Abuja on 13 April 2019
73rd Independence Day celebrations at High Commission of India, Abuja on 15 August 2019
(PDF - 43.12 KB)
