Over 45,000 visitors experienced India right in the heart of Karlsruhe

For three days, Karlsruhe once again became in july 2026 a meeting place for fans of India, families and culture enthusiasts from across the region. With music, dance, yoga, cuisine, sport, arts and crafts, and numerous hands-on activities, the INDIA SUMMER DAYS Karlsruhe attracted more than 45,000 visitors, reaffirming its status as the largest Indian festival in southern Germany.

Experience India with all senses

The authentic Indian village in the Günther-Klotz-Anlage was once again a major attraction alongside DAS FEST, whilst also serving as a visible symbol of the exceptionally vibrant partnership between Karlsruhe and India. Whether it was classical dance, Bollywood shows, live music, Indian DJs, yoga, henna art, cricket demonstrations, traditional puppet shows, a colourful sari fashion show or, for the first time, a demonstration of the traditional sport of kabaddi – for which part of the German national kabaddi team had travelled there especially: the comprehensive and varied programme brought India to life for all generations – right in the heart of Karlsruhe. A large bazaar featuring arts and crafts, textiles and jewellery, as well as specialities such as samosas, chai, kulfi and mango lassi, further contributed to the authentic atmosphere.

More than just a festival

“The blend of culture, socialising and hands-on activities once again defined the special character of the INDIA SUMMER DAYS,” says Martin Wacker, Managing Director of the organising company Karlsruhe Marketing und Event GmbH, with delight. “In Karlsruhe, this allows visitors to experience India with all their senses!” he adds. After all, the INDIA SUMMER DAYS have long stood for far more than just a festival weekend. Together with the “India Weeks Karlsruhe”, they highlight just how closely Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg and India are now linked. “Karlsruhe plays a very important role in this,” emphasised the Indian Consul, Rajiv Chitkara: “The key players in Karlsruhe are pioneers in many areas and are strong, reliable partners.”

Karlsruhe as a bridge to India

During the event, Consul Chitkara and Karlsruhe’s Lord Mayor, Dr Frank Mentrup, also mentioned the continuing growth in the number of people in the regional Indian community. Whether for students, researchers, company employees and their families: “For many, the INDIA SUMMER DAYS – which also embody Karlsruhe’s cosmopolitan spirit – have long since become a little piece of home.” More than 200 stakeholders from business, science, culture, education and tourism are now playing a reliable and active role in shaping German-Indian exchange through the “India Board Karlsruhe”. Today, the spectrum of cooperation ranges from university and research collaborations, through economic partnerships and the recruitment of skilled workers, to start-up networks and numerous cultural projects. Hardly any other city in Germany combines economic cooperation, science, culture, the recruitment of skilled workers and civic engagement with India in such a diverse range of ways.

Karlsruhe is therefore one of the most important centres for German-Indian relations in Germany. “Year after year, the INDIA SUMMER DAYS demonstrate how cultural curiosity can lead to genuine encounters and lasting partnerships,” emphasises Wacker. “India has long been an important part of Karlsruhe’s international profile. Our festival makes this connection visible to everyone and, above all, brings it to life.”

Working together for a genuine partnership

The event was once again supported by numerous long-standing partners – including the Indian Consulate-General in Munich, the Indian Honorary Consulate in Stuttgart and the German-Indian Society – as well as many other dedicated individuals who, together, manage to organise an authentic Indian experience every year, one that extends far beyond culture – and builds bridges between people, ideas and nations. With their open, free-to-attend format and unique blend of festival atmosphere, intercultural encounters and an international network, the INDIA SUMMER DAYS have once again impressively demonstrated why Karlsruhe is one of Germany’s leading centres of expertise on India.

Info: The next INDIA SUMMER DAYS will take place from 23 to 25 July 2027, https://www.indiasummerdays.de 

A selection of images is attached; please credit the source as Gustai/Pixelgrün