Archive · 1 Dec 2025
AIKYAM Celebrates UN's 80th Anniversary at Ajanta-Ellora
AIKYAM, a cultural festival organized by Sopaan, celebrated the 80th anniversary of the United Nations at the famous Ajanta and Ellora caves in Maharashtra.
The event brought together artists, diplomats, and scholars from over 30 countries.
It started with a special performance at the Kailasa Temple, followed by talks from experts like historian William Dalrymple and Dr. Timothy Curtis from UNESCO.
The festival included dance performances and discussions about India's ancient connections with the world.
AIKYAM, Sopaan’s annual cultural initiative, celebrated the 80th anniversary of the United Nations at Ajanta and Ellora.
The three-day festival (November 21–23) featured artists, diplomats, and scholars from over 30 countries.
The event opened with a Shiva invocation at the Kailasa Temple, Ellora, followed by a multi-discipline dance performance.
Historian William Dalrymple delivered a keynote lecture on India’s ancient global exchanges.
Dr. Timothy Curtis, Director of UNESCO’s Regional Office in India, was among the experts who participated in the festival.
- Who
- Artists, diplomats, scholars, and experts from over 30 countries
- What
- A three-day cultural festival celebrating the 80th anniversary of the United Nations
- When
- November 21–23
- Where
- Ajanta and Ellora, Maharashtra, India
- Why
- To mark the 80th anniversary of the United Nations and promote cultural exchange
- Event Name
- AIKYAM
- Organizer
- Sopaan
- Duration
- November 21–23
- Location
- Ajanta and Ellora, Maharashtra
- Participants
- Artists, diplomats, and scholars from over 30 countries
- Opening Performance
- Shiva invocation by HH Maharani Raseshwari Rajya Laxmi and Nick Booker
- Keynote Speaker
- Historian William Dalrymple
- UNESCO Representative
- Dr Timothy Curtis, Director of UNESCO’s Regional Office in India