NGV Indian Community Day

Indian Community Day 2026

Indian Community Day 2026

Sat 12 Sep, 12–5pm
NGV International
Free for all to enjoy

Celebrate the creativity and diversity of Victoria’s Indian community with a day filled with vibrant art, captivating dance, dynamic music and free activities for the whole family. Everyone is welcome!
What’s OnTalks & ToursExhibitionsFood & DrinkPlan Your VisitGallery

What's On

NGV International
Host: Dheepa Awtani

12–4pm, 12 Sep, free

Meet your Indian Community Day MC. Drop by to catch all the major announcements and event highlights.
NGV International
Bollywood Film Quiz by The University of Melbourne Bollywood Club

12.30–12.50pm, 12 Sep, free

Put your cinema knowledge to the test! Join our host for a live quiz session on stage or scan the festival QR codes located throughout the Gallery to take the Bollywood Quiz online throughout the day. Created by The University of Melbourne Bollywood Club.
NGV International
Let’s Draw with Bushra Hasan

12–4pm, 12 Sep, free

Children and families can drop into this creative zone on Level 2 to sketch, colour and create drawings with Bushra Hasan, who is inspired by Madhubani art – a traditional folk art style that she learnt about at art school.

Music & performance

NGV International
Sitar Performance by Saikat Bhattacharya

12.10–12.30pm, 12 Sep, free

Enjoy the sounds of the sitar in this performance of Indian classical music by Saikat Bhattacharya.
NGV International
Naad Band Singalong

1–1.45pm, 12 Sep, free

Inspired by the iconic Indian parlour game Antakshari, played on long train journeys and family weddings, the Naad Band invites you to join a lively community singalong. Raise your voice to a joyful medley of timeless classics, contemporary hits, ghazals, and soulful Sufi music.
NGV International
Odissi Dance Performance by Rhythmica

2–2.20pm, 12 Sep, free

Be immersed in the sacred beauty of Odissi, one of India's ten ancient classical dance forms. Originating in the historic temples of Odisha, this captivating showcase by Rhythmica Dance School honors a continuous twelfth-century tradition of expressive storytelling and precise, graceful movement.
NGV International
Urdu Poetry by Mohammad Abu Nasar

2–2.20pm, 12 Sep, free

Discover the beauty of Urdu verse. Educated in the Urdu medium, poet Mohammad Abu Nasar shares moving recitations of his own original work alongside foundational masterpieces by legendary literary voices like Harivansh Rai Bachchan and Javed Akhtar.
NGV International
Kathak Dance Performance by The Naach Box

2.25–2.45pm, 12 Sep, free

Turn up the energy and experience storytelling, fast spins, intricate footwork and rhythmic precision in this classical Kathak performance from The Naach Box.
NGV International
Gujarati Dance Performance by ABCD Dance School

2.50–3.10pm, 12 Sep, free

Experience the electric atmosphere of Gujarati folk dance. Fresh from high-profile performances at Marvel Stadium, the ABCD Bollywood Dance School delivers a powerful showcase featuring the spiritual, circular rhythms of Garba alongside the lively, rhythmic stick-striking choreography of Dandiya.
NGV International
DJ Ash Set

3.10–4.10pm, 12 Sep, free

Ready to dance? DJ Ash takes over the decks to create an energetic dance floor under the iconic Leonard French stained-glass ceiling. Enjoy a mix of contemporary club anthems and golden hits from across India.

Talks & Tours

NGV International
Guided Tour: Welcome to the NGV

12.30–1pm, 12 Sep, free

(1 more time)

First time at the NGV? Join this tour to learn more about the NGV, from what’s on offer to discovering the rich history of the building, to visiting key artworks from the Gallery’s Collection of over 76,000 works of art.
NGV International
Children’s Tour with Bushra Hasan

3–3.30pm, 12 Sep, free

Join artist and educator Bushra Hasan for a fun, engaging tour designed for children and families to explore the stories and vibrant details inside the NGV Collection of Indian Art.
NGV International
Guided Tour: Indian Art

3.30–4pm, 12 Sep, free

Led by Wayne Crothers, NGV Senior Curator of Asian Art, this specialised tour guides you through Indian art highlights from the NGV Collection.

Exhibitions

Asian Art From the NGV Collection

Charting more than 5000 years of history, from ceramics and jades to the work of contemporary artists and designers, the Asian Art collection informs and inspires audiences to gain a greater understanding of the region’s cultural and artistic practices.

Learn more

CARTIER 2026 Melbourne Winter Masterpieces®

Experience the elegance and exhilaration of CARTIER this winter. Featuring nearly 400 extraordinary jewels, gems and jewellery objects, the exhibition traces the evolution of Cartier’s enduring legacy in art, design and craftsmanship.

Learn more

Ragnar Kjartansson Mercy

Icelandic artist Ragnar Kjartansson is heralded as one of the most distinctive contemporary artists working today. Drawing on Western musical and artistic themes, Kjartansson offers an adoring and satirical spin on literature, cinema and pop music. 

Learn more

Children's Play Ragnar Kjartansson

Created by the artist, Children’s Play invites young visitors into a playful, creative space where they can be audience members, actors and creators, inventing and performing stories with friends and family on stage.

Learn more

Food & Drink

Gandel Hall
12–4pm

Enjoy a chai, mango lassi or choose from a range of mithai (Indian sweets) available to purchase.

Plan Your Visit

Getting here

Indian Community Day is held at NGV International, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne.

Plan your visit

Access

NGV welcomes everyone.
Find information to support your accessible visit.

Access

Prayer Room

The NGV Library will be available for use as a prayer room, offering a quiet, private space for prayer. Please see our team for assistance.

Gallery

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