Representative Office of India

India-Palestine Cultural Relations

1. India and Palestine share a warm, historically rooted relationship built on shared values, mutual respect, and a strong commitment to cultural and developmental cooperation. The India-Palestine relationship is rooted not only in political solidarity but also in a genuine sense of cultural and human connection. From students and artists to community leaders and entrepreneurs, individuals on both sides have contributed to building this partnership in ways that go beyond formal diplomacy.
2. Culture has long served as a bridge between the Indian and Palestinian peoples. Indian cinema, particularly Bollywood films, enjoys widespread popularity across Palestinian society, reflecting a deep emotional resonance. From shared themes of family, love, and resilience to a mutual appreciation of art and storytelling, this cultural affinity continues to flourish organically.
3. A very well developed Islamic heritage within the Indian culture sustains the charm of India to an average Palestinian. India-Palestine cultural connections also draw strength from India’s cultural and civilizational linkages with the Arab world. The idea of India has figured in the Arab imagination for centuries, and the Arab civilization, with its philosophical depth and entrepreneurial energy, has effortlessly intersected with Indian civilization all these years. Many illustrious Arab families have the surname al-Hindi. ‘Hind’ is still a popular name being used by many Arab women. The very famous Indian sword in the Arab world was called ‘Hinduana’ and ‘Mohannad’. The decimal number writing system of India is said to have spread to India through Arab Civilization. On the other hand Astronomy was introduced in the Arab world in 8th century through the Indian Sanskrit book ‘Surya Sidhhanta’.
4. Bollywood, Indian food, clothes, education (around 12,000 Palestinians graduated from Indian Universities) and India’s consistent support to the Palestinian cause add significantly to the India appeal for a Palestinian. Main mode of Indian cultural consumption is through Arabic dubbed or subtitled Bollywood movies and Indian TV serials. Indian cuisine is also liked in Palestine. Indian spices are widely used in Palestine. In marriages, Indian hennas, saris and music are very common.
5. In recent years, Yoga has gained in popularity across Palestine as a vital tool for physical and mental well-being with a range of benefits including stress relief, trauma healing and community empowerment amidst ongoing political and social challenges. The number of yoga practitioners, students and studios across different parts of West Bank and Gaza reflect its widespread appeal. The Representative Office in Ramallah, in partnership with local practitioners, has regularly celebrated the International Day of Yoga in many cities of Palestine.
6. The Representative Office of India in Ramallah, with the support of the Ministry of Culture of India and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), plays an active role in promoting cultural engagement, including through film screenings, exhibitions, music and dance performances, yoga sessions, and food festivals. These activities are designed to showcase the richness and diversity of Indian heritage while fostering mutual understanding.Some recent activities undertaken are:
   • Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav events- 2022-2023: Major successful events in different localities were organized including tree plantation drive, cycling event, a photo exhibition on Guru Nanak and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and a painting & poster making competition. The city of Ramallah paid a tribute by illuminating the fountain of its municipal park with colours of Indian flag.

• Contemporary Dance performance by ‘Anveshana Dance Group’ in India Cultural Week coincided with completion of 25 years of the establishment/opening of the diplomatic Mission of India in Palestine, 2021

• Gandhi at 150 events- 2018-2020: Satya Vaarta testimonials, Government of Palestine issued a commemorative stamp of Mahatma Gandhi, Cycling event, tree planting, cultural events in schools, photo exhibition, inauguration of Mahatma Gandhi Educational Park.

• Exhibition of paintings of Islamic Monuments, 2015

• Santoor performance by Dr. Varsha Agrawal & team coincided with Jasmine Festival & Women’s Day, 2015

• Bust of Mahatma Gandhi was unveiled at the Garden of Nations in Ramallah. 2014

• Kalaripayattu Martial Arts performance in Ramallah Cultural Palace, 2004

• Kathak performance by Marami Medhi & Meghranjini Medhi which was coincided with 9thPalestinian International Book Fair, 2004

7. A three member delegation from prominent tourist agencies in Palestine have visited India under the India Tourism initiative in 2014. Under the India-Palestine Youth Exchange programme, a 50 member Palestinian youth delegation visited India in 2018, followed by 29 Indian youth delegation visited Palestine in 2019.

8. The Representative Office of India in Palestine has been commemorating the Annual International Day of Yoga (IDY) since the inaugural celebration in 2015 with immence popular support and participation at iconic places. We also celebrate the ITEC Day and ICCR Foundation Day in Palestine annually.

9. Cultural Symbols
   • Mahatma Gandhi Street in Ramallah
   • India Street (Share-Al-Hind in Arabic) in Beitunia, Ramallah
   • A roundabout (Midan-Al-Hind) in Beitunia, Ramallah

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June 2025