The Embassy of India in Zagreb, in collaboration with the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zagreb, organised a series of cultural, educational and interactive activities on 5 November 2026 as part of the India Day celebrations, bringing together students, academics and participants to explore India's rich cultural heritage, language, arts and contemporary developments.

The programme offered a diverse insight into Indian traditions and modern society through creative workshops, film screenings, dance performances, lectures and discussions, encouraging cultural exchange and strengthening people-to-people ties between India and Croatia.

Exploring Indian Art and Creativity: Rangoli and Mehndi Workshops

Students had the opportunity to discover two traditional Indian art forms through interactive Rangoli and Mehndi workshops.

The Rangoli workshop introduced participants to the art of creating colourful decorative patterns, traditionally used to adorn entrances and spaces during festivals and special occasions in India. The Mehndi workshop offered an insight into the traditional art of decorating hands and palms with intricate designs using natural henna.

Both workshops provided an opportunity for creative expression and hands-on engagement with India's artistic traditions.

Paint & Chai: Art, Culture and Indian Tea

The Paint & Chai workshop combined artistic creativity with the experience of traditional Indian hospitality. While creating paintings inspired by Indian motifs, students enjoyed a cup of traditional Indian Masala Chai.

The workshop provided a relaxed setting for participants to explore Indian-inspired art, exchange ideas and experience a small but meaningful part of India's cultural and social traditions.

Discovering Bollywood: Indian Dance and Film

The programme also introduced students to the vibrant world of Indian cinema and dance through a Bollywood dance workshop led by instructor Ana Jug Apsaradha.

Participants were introduced to the fundamentals of Indian dance, including rhythms (tala), hand gestures (mudras) and expressive movements, discovering how dance, music and storytelling come together in Bollywood productions.

The cinematic programme featured screenings of the Indian films Hellaro and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, offering audiences an insight into India's diverse cinematic landscape, cultural traditions and contemporary storytelling.

Hindi Diwas: Celebrating the Hindi Language and Indian Culture

The Embassy of India in Zagreb, together with the Department of Indology at the University of Zagreb, celebrated Hindi Diwas on 5 November 2026.

The celebration featured addresses by Ambassador of India H.E. Arun Goel and Dean Prof. Domagoj Tončinić. Students who participated in the Hindi language quiz and poetry translation activities were felicitated during the event.

The programme continued with Hindi poetry recitations and Indian music performances by students, highlighting their enthusiasm for the Hindi language and Indian cultural heritage.

The celebration reflected the growing interest in Hindi studies and the importance of language as a bridge between cultures.

Lecture: “Stress – Who Is in Control?”

As part of the educational programme, business psychologist Ivana Conjar, founder of the Art of Work platform, delivered a lecture titled “Stress: Who Is in Control? What Is Worth Our Stress?”

The lecture explored the impact of stress on everyday decisions and behaviour, encouraging students to reflect on how they respond to life's challenges, develop effective coping strategies and recognise what truly deserves their energy and attention.

India–EU Free Trade Agreement: Interactive Student Discussion

The programme also addressed contemporary economic relations between India and Europe through an interactive student discussion on the India–European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA), organised by the Embassy of India in Zagreb.

The discussion explored the economic opportunities and challenges arising from the agreement, including its potential implications for businesses, workers and consumers, as well as the future of trade and economic cooperation between India and the European Union.

The session was moderated by Dr. Sanja Franc from the Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Zagreb, providing students with an opportunity to exchange views, engage in dialogue and gain a deeper understanding of India–EU economic relations.

Strengthening India–Croatia Cultural and Academic Ties

Through a combination of cultural workshops, academic discussions, language activities and artistic performances, India Day at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences offered students an opportunity to engage with India's traditions, contemporary society and cultural diversity.

The Embassy of India in Zagreb appreciates the cooperation of the University of Zagreb, the participating professors, workshop instructors and students who contributed to making the celebration a meaningful platform for intercultural dialogue, knowledge-sharing and stronger India–Croatia relations.