PM Modi Receives Grand Cultural Welcome in Indonesia with Ramayana-Themed Wayang Kulit Performance

Jakarta : Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm and culturally rich welcome upon his arrival in Indonesia, where a spectacular performance titled “Shadows of the Epic” celebrated the timeless legacy of the Ramayana, one of the world’s greatest literary and spiritual epics.

The captivating presentation showcased Wayang Kulit, Indonesia’s centuries-old traditional shadow puppetry, offering a unique interpretation of Indian mythology through the lens of Javanese artistic heritage. The performance beautifully reflected the deep civilisational and cultural bonds shared by India and Indonesia over centuries.

Accompanied by the rhythmic melodies of the traditional Gamelan orchestra and the evocative narration of the Dalang (master puppeteer), the performance preserved the sacred essence of Javanese storytelling while bringing to life episodes from the Ramayana. The artistic spectacle highlighted the enduring influence of Indian culture across Southeast Asia and demonstrated how the epic continues to inspire generations beyond India’s borders.

The cultural welcome served as a powerful symbol of the shared historical, spiritual and cultural heritage between the two nations. Indonesia, home to the world’s largest Muslim population, continues to preserve and celebrate the Ramayana and Mahabharata through its traditional performing arts, reflecting centuries of cultural exchange with India.

Prime Minister Modi’s visit is aimed at further strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Indonesia under India’s *Act East Policy and MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions) vision. The cultural programme added a memorable dimension to the visit, reinforcing the people-to-people ties and the enduring friendship that continue to define relations between the two countries.