Expo 2025 Osaka
India's Pavilion claims the spotlight at Osaka World Expo
New Delhi: At the ongoing World Expo in Osaka, Japan, the Bharat Mandap curated by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) has emerged as one of the most popular attractions and secured a place among the top five pavilions.
Deputy Pavilion Director and representative of the Japan Travel Bureau (JTB), Yamamoto-san stated that the Indian Pavilion has been ranked among the top five alongside the United States, Italy, Japan, and France.
This ranking is based on inputs collected from Expo officials, the general public, and Japanese social media users.
Officially titled 'Expo 2025 Osaka', the central theme of the event is ‘Designing Future Society for Our Lives’.
More than 160 countries and 9 international organisations are participating, with an estimated 28 million visitors expected.
In previous World Expos, the curation of the India Pavilion was handled directly by the Ministry of Commerce.
However, this time the responsibility has been entrusted to the Ministry of Culture, which in turn appointed the IGNCA to undertake this significant task.
Speaking on the progress of India’s participation at Expo, IGNCA Member Secretary Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi informed on Saturday that the India Pavilion reflects the nation’s ancient knowledge systems, modern aspirations, and global engagement.
According to Dr. Joshi, this initiative, driven by the Ministry of Commerce under the guidance of the Ministry of Culture, is being realised through institutional collaboration between the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) and IGNCA.
Strategically located in the ‘Connecting Lives Zone’, the Pavilion showcases both the depth of India’s civilisational ethos and its commitment to technological advancement and sustainable development.
Despite receiving the space allocation at a later stage, the IGNCA team coordinated closely with Japanese authorities to curate a dynamic and expansive cultural experience at the India Pavilion – one that highlights the nuances of India’s civilisational values.
In contrast to other pavilions with restricted entry and long queues, the India Pavilion offers a seamless experience with minimal wait time, allowing visitors to explore the space at their own convenience.
The Pavilion’s creative vision and profound cultural design were implemented by IGNCA within a remarkably short timeframe, reflecting both organisational efficiency and deep cultural sensitivity.
In its true essence, the Bharat Mandap has evolved not only into a cultural exhibition space but also into a powerful instrument of India's cultural diplomacy—its soft power—offering global audiences a glimpse into the nation’s diversity, richness, and innovation.
The Bharat Mandap features various dedicated sections on innovation, heritage, Ayurveda, ISRO, and sustainable development—effectively illustrating India’s journey from its subterranean treasures to the outer reaches of space.
The Pavilion honours the past while simultaneously envisioning future possibilities.
The magnificent exhibits, authentic Indian cuisine, and interactive cultural elements—such as Garba dance workshops, traditional costume displays, and live yoga sessions conducted by an Indian Acharya—are attracting enthusiastic crowds.
The colourful installations and photo-friendly corners featuring Himachali caps and handcrafted frames have garnered widespread praise and significant appreciation online.
The India Pavilion has become a much-visited cultural destination, admired for its blend of warmth, creativity, and accessibility—all of which contribute to its acclaim.
At the heart of the Bharat Mandap stands the image of Padmapani Bodhisattva, the embodiment of compassion; inspired by the Ajanta cave murals, the pavilion offers a confluence of spiritual beauty and contemporary storytelling.
Through symbolic elements like the Blue Lotus Façade, the Bodhi Tree installation, and the flowing waters, IGNCA presents India’s eternal philosophical vision in a modern global context—guiding visitors through timeless messages of compassion, interconnectedness, dynamism, and transformation.
From the tranquil Lotus Courtyard to the vibrant Oneness Lounge, the Pavilion reflects the Upanishadic ideal of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—“The world is one family.”
It offers international visitors a meaningful encounter with India’s living heritage, underscoring inclusivity, dialogue, and spiritual harmony.
The global exposition will run until 13 October 2025.
Photos: IGNCA
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