The "Mekong-Ganga" India-Myanmar Culinary and Cultural Festival was held at The Secretariat on Thein Phyu Road in Yangon on February 23 at 5 p.m.

The event was jointly organized by the Embassy of India in Yangon, the Indian Women's Association of Yangon, and the Myanmar Women Entrepreneurs Network.

Attendees included Union Minister for Hotels and Tourism U Kyaw Soe Win, Indian Ambassador H.E. Mr. Abhay Thakur, officials from the Yangon Region Government, ambassadors and diplomats from various foreign embassies, and representatives from the organizing associations.

The festival featured a total of 46 exhibition booths, showcasing Myanmar and Indian cuisines, souvenir items, handicrafts, and traditional clothing.

Cultural performances were a highlight, with Indian cultural groups presenting traditional dances and songs, while Myanmar cultural groups entertained with puppet shows and the "Mingalaba" song accompanied by cultural dances.

Speaking at the event, Union Minister U Kyaw Soe Win emphasized that the festival serves as a valuable initiative to promote tourism between Myanmar and India. He noted that the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism is actively working with both public and private sectors to implement tourism promotion programs, similar to ASEAN food festivals, across Myanmar. He expressed confidence that the event would strengthen bilateral relations and open new opportunities for cultural exchange and tourism development.