DENPASAR, balitoursimnow.com – The Consulate General of India in Bali celebrated India’s 80th Independence Day with a flag-hoisting ceremony at its premises on Saturday, 15 August 2026.
The event brought together representatives of the Bali Provincial Government, members of the Consular Corps, the Indian community, friends of India and distinguished guests, reflecting the warm and enduring friendship between India and Indonesia.
The ceremony began with the singing of Vande Mataram, followed by the unfurling of the Tricolour by Consul General of India in Bali, Dr. Shashank Vikram, and the singing of India’s National Anthem.
The celebration also featured the inauguration of the Vande Mataram Exhibition and the release of Tricolour balloons, symbolising freedom and national pride.
Distinguished guests included the leader of the Dawoodi Bohra community, Padma Shri recipients Ida Rsi Putra Manuaba and Prof. Dr. I Wayan Dibia, Prof. Dr. I Made Bandem, members of the Consular Corps in Bali and representatives of the Bali Provincial Government.
Their presence underscored the strong cultural and people-to-people ties between India and Bali.
The programme featured a vibrant cultural presentation showcasing India’s artistic diversity, including a Bharatanatyam performance by Ms. Meenakshi Krishnesh from Bengaluru, a song by students of One Earth School and a Kathak performance by students of the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC), Bali.
Consul General Dr. Shashank Vikram also read the message of the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, highlighting India’s achievements and the vision of building a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
The message paid tribute to the country’s freedom fighters and called on citizens, particularly the youth, to contribute to building a prosperous, inclusive and self-reliant India.
The programme also featured remarks from the Governor of Bali, delivered by Dr. drh. Luh Ayu Aryani, M.P., Assistant for Economy and Development at the Regional Secretariat of Bali Province.
The remarks highlighted the longstanding friendship and growing cooperation between India and Indonesia, particularly their deep cultural and people-to-people connections.
As part of the celebration, prizes were awarded to winners of the India Through My Lens photography competition and the My India, My Story campaign. Tokens of appreciation were also presented to the performers.
The celebration commemorated India’s journey over eight decades while reaffirming the close and multifaceted relationship between India and Indonesia. The Consulate General of India in Bali remains committed to strengthening these ties through cultural exchange, community engagement and people-to-people connections. [rls]