Culture, education and the Indian community in Egypt

This article covers the cultural relationship between India and Egypt: symbols of shared history, the work of the Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture in Cairo, festivals, yoga, and outreach to Egyptian schools and universities. It draws on the MEA brief of April 2026; participation figures are those reported in that brief.

Cultural symbols

According to the MEA brief of April 2026, three streets in Cairo are named after Indian leaders: Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Dr. Zakir Hussein. In India, Gamal Abdul Nasser Marg in Delhi is named after the late President of Egypt.

There are three busts of Mahatma Gandhi in Egypt: at the Supreme Council of Culture in Cairo, a bronze bust at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, and one at the Al-Horreya Park in Cairo. The Baron Empain Palace in Cairo, also known as Le Palais Hindou ('The Hindu Palace'), was built in 1905 by the French architect Alexandre Marcel, inspired by the Hindu temples of Odisha.

Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture

The Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC) was set up in 1992. It holds Kathak, Hindi, Urdu and Yoga classes, and organises seminars, film shows and exhibitions, as well as taking part in local cultural activities. As part of its outreach, MACIC organises India Day in Egyptian Governorates and universities.

In collaboration with Egypt's Ministry of Culture, MACIC screens Indian films every month at venues such as the Hanager Theater, the Cairo Opera House and the Cinema Culture Palace. The brief links this to the popularity of Bollywood among Egyptians. In 2025, MACIC organised the first ever Indian Film Festival in Egypt.

MACIC also runs regular workshops on traditional Indian art forms, including Mehendi Design, Indian Embroidery, Garba, Madhubani Painting and Bharatanatyam classical dance. In January 2026, it held a wildlife exhibition on its premises on Indian fauna.

Glimpses of India painting competition

As of the brief, MACIC has organised the "Glimpses of India" painting competition for Egyptian children for the last 28 years. The 29th edition, held in November 2025, had a record participation of 29,134 Egyptian students from 3,372 schools across 23 governorates. The brief describes it as the largest cultural outreach event organised by any diplomatic mission in Egypt and by any Indian Mission abroad.

Recent events

In January 2026, Egypt was the 'Partner Nation' for the 39th Edition of Surajkund Mela, with the participation of 50 Egyptian artisans and artistes.
In February 2026, MACIC organised the first ever Regional Hindi Conference, in collaboration with Ain Shams University, with scholars from 7 African Countries.
In January 2026, MACIC organised the 'Bharat Milan & Kite Festival', with dance, music, food and kites. It was attended by MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh and featured the Sufi singers the Roohani sisters.
MACIC organised 'Bharat Week' celebrations leading up to the 79th Indian Independence Day in August 2025.
A 10 member Bollywood Kathak Troupe took part in the Aswan International Film Festival in February 2026.

Indian cultural troupes visit Egypt regularly. In May 2025, Egypt's Minister of Culture and the Head of the Supreme Council of Media Regulations attended the inaugural edition of the World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) in Mumbai. In November 2025, MoS Mr. Suresh Gopi visited Egypt for the inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum.

Yoga

The brief states that Yoga has gained popularity in Egypt. The Indian mission has organised International Day of Yoga (IDY) celebrations in different parts of Egypt since its inception in 2014.

The 11th edition was organised by MACIC on 21 June 2025 at Al-Horreya Park, Zamalek, Cairo. It was preceded by curtain raiser Yoga events in Port Said, Ismailia, Fayoum, Sohag, Assiut, Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh, which the brief says were attended by thousands of Egyptian Yoga enthusiasts.

Schools and universities

Through the School Connect Programme, MACIC regularly hosts visits by Egyptian school children. It has also launched the "Campus Connect: University Interaction Program" for academic and cultural exchange between India and Egypt.

Since the brief of April 2026

Later developments in India and Egypt relations, from MEA publications, newest first. The article above reports the brief at its date.

Questions and answers

Is there an Indian cultural centre in Egypt?

Yes. According to the MEA brief of April 2026, the Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC) was set up in 1992. It holds Kathak, Hindi, Urdu and Yoga classes and organises seminars, film shows and exhibitions.

What is the Glimpses of India competition?

It is a painting competition for Egyptian children organised by MACIC. The 29th edition, in November 2025, had 29,134 students from 3,372 schools across 23 governorates.

Which Cairo streets are named after Indian leaders?

Three streets in Cairo are named after Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Dr. Zakir Hussein.

Sources

This article reports what the sources state at their date and does not add facts from elsewhere. Figures, office holders and agreements may have changed since. Diplo is independent and not affiliated with any government. Suggest a correction.