India will proudly unveil the Bharat Pavilion, a vibrant tribute to the country’s profound legacy of storytelling and its growing influence in the global media and entertainment landscape.
Guided by the theme “Kala to Code”, the Pavilion will celebrate India’s spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the world is one family — and showcase how the country’s artistic traditions have long been a beacon of creativity, harmony and cultural diplomacy.
Rooted in legacy and driven by innovation, India now looks to the future, ready to lead the world in storytelling, technology and transformative cultural exchange.
At the core of the Bharat Pavilion are four immersive zones that will take visitors through the continuum of India’s storytelling traditions:
- Shruti – spotlighting oral traditions, from Vedic chants and folk ballads to classical music, radio and the spoken word.
- Kriti – highlighting written legacies, tracing the journey from cave engravings and palm-leaf manuscripts to the evolution of print media, literature and modern publishing.
- Drishti – exploring visual expression, from ancient dance forms, puppetry and folk theatre to India’s thriving cinema, television, digital and immersive storytelling ecosystems.
- Creator’s Leap – showcasing the future of storytelling with cutting-edge technology
Through these experiential zones, visitors are invited to witness how India’s timeless narratives have evolved into powerful modern media formats. From the echoes of Om to the beat of the tabla, from the etched symbols of Bhimbetka to today’s digital screens, from the dance of Nataraja to cinematic blockbusters—the Pavilion will be a living archive of how India shaped and continues to shape the global storyscape.
But this is more than a cultural showcase—it is a declaration of India’s creative prowess and future-forward vision. With many OTT platforms, a tech-savvy mobile-first audience, world-class VFX, gaming and animation studios, as well as a thriving Startup ecosystem, India stands as one of the fastest-growing media and entertainment markets in the world.
The Bharat Pavilion stands as a dynamic platform for creators, collaborators and change makers across the media and entertainment ecosystem. It will present a valuable opportunity for stakeholders to connect with India’s exceptional talent, advanced storytelling technologies and rapidly expanding market potential. More than a showcase of cultural heritage, the Bharat Pavilion will be a reflection of strong government support in fostering cross-cultural partnerships and investment, positioning itself as a Global centre for creative innovation and collaboration.
Bharat Pavilion at WAVES 2025 is where ancient inspiration will meet cutting-edge innovation. With its rich cultural legacy, unparalleled creative talent and world-class technological capabilities, India is poised to emerge as a Global leader in media and entertainment, ready to captivate and inspire the world.
