Johannesburg to host over 10,000 attendees as India Club SA, in association with the Consulate General of India in Johannesburg, presents a spectacular tribute to India’s 79^th Independence Anniversary

JOHANNESBURG, 4^th August 2025 – India Club South Africa, in association with the Consulate General of India in Johannesburg, proudly presents OTT India Day 2025 — a vibrant and immersive celebration of heritage, unity, and shared humanity. Taking place at Sandown High School, Sandton, on Saturday, 23 August 2025, this flagship event will bring together over 10,000 attendees, blending music, cuisine, performance, and innovation to honour the 79^th year of India’s independence.

Known for staging inclusive, high-impact public events, India Club SA continues to elevate the voice of the Indian diaspora while fostering intercultural connections in the spirit of Ubuntu. This year’s India Day event marks not just a cultural milestone but a renewed commitment to people-to-people diplomacy, reinforcing the deep and historic ties between India and South Africa.

“India Day is more than a celebration — it’s a call to unity,” says Manish Gupta, Chairman of India Club South Africa. “As we honour India’s traditions, we also celebrate the shared values that connect us as South Africans — resilience, respect, and community. This is our invitation to every person, of every background, to experience the richness of India and its contributions to our diverse national tapestry.”

“We are honoured to support India Day 2025 — a celebration that underscores the enduring bonds between India and South Africa,” says Hon’ble Consulate General Mr. Mahesh Kumar. “Beyond showcasing India’s cultural heritage, this event affirms the vibrant role of the Indian diaspora in nation-building, innovation, and inclusive development. Our nations are united by historical solidarity and shared democratic values — India Day is a proud symbol of that friendship.”

As the world celebrates India’s progress over nearly eight decades of independence, OTT India Day 2025, powered by headline sponsor OTT (On Time Telecom), promises a day-long immersive journey from ancient tradition to modern innovation.

“OTT is proud to be the headline sponsor of India Day 2025 — a landmark event that reflects the diversity, energy, and unity of our communities,” says Umran spokesperson of OTT (On Time Telecom). “As a technology company that connects people, we see this partnership as a natural extension of our mission to empower communities through inclusive access and cultural expression.”

WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2025

Record-Breaking Scale:

With over 600 performers across 50+ live acts, the event will showcase India's evolution — from its classical roots to contemporary expressions embraced across global stages.

Cultural Diplomacy in Action:

This year’s program deepens the cultural and diplomatic relationship between India and South Africa, advancing people-to-people engagement and reinforcing mutual values of democracy, diversity, and innovation.

Economic Boost:

With an anticipated R2.5 million economic injection via local vendors, tourism, and trade, India Day also highlights the powerful contribution of South Africa’s 1.3 million-strong Indian community to the national economy.

BEYOND ENTERTAINMENT: A PLATFORM FOR DIALOGUE AND EXCHANGE

• Heritage Corridor: A walk-through exhibition narrating India’s journey from 1947 to 2025 — honouring leaders, changemakers, and global impact.
• Innovation Hub: Featuring interactive tech demos, fintech innovation from supporting sponsors Hello Paisa and Hello Pay, and India's growing influence in the digital economy.
• Culinary Trail: Over 30 food vendors will offer authentic regional Indian cuisine, celebrating flavours from Kashmir to Kerala.
• Creative Marketplace: Blending traditional craftsmanship with modern art from both Indian and South African Indian creatives.

STORY-LED PERFORMANCES

This year’s showcase unfolds in three acts:

• Morning (10:30 – 13:00): A celebration of classical Indian dance, music, and state performances from 16 Indian regions.
• Afternoon (13:00 – 16:00): Cross-cultural collaborations celebrating Indian-South African fusion.
• Evening (16:00 – 20:00): Contemporary and Bollywood performances honouring India’s global cultural footprint.

ACCESSIBILITY & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

• Free Entry: Affirming inclusive access for all, regardless of economic status.
• Educational Value: School and university groups will benefit from curated tours linking history, culture, and identity.
• Youth Upliftment: Emerging artists and second/third-generation creatives take centre stage, crafting their own legacies.

EVENT DETAILS

• Date: Saturday, 23 August 2025
• Time: 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM
• Venue: Sandown High School, Sandton, Johannesburg
• Entry: FREE and open to the public
• Expected Attendance: 10,000+
• Parking: On-site with shuttle options available

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES

• Visuals: Live performances, heritage displays, technology showcases, and traditional dress
• Interviews Available: Consulate officials, India Club SA representatives, OTT spokespersons, performers, vendors, and youth participants
• Key Themes: Bilateral relations, cultural diplomacy, economic inclusion, innovation, youth empowerment

For Media Enquiries Contact media@jtcomms.co.za or call 083 954 6133 / 011 788 7632

High-resolution images and interviews available upon request. Media accreditation available for coverage teams.

ABOUT THE ORGANISERS

India Club South Africa

Established in 2007 and formally registered in 2015, India Club SA is a non-profit community organisation dedicated to cultural advocacy, heritage preservation, and social impact. With a network of over 12,000 members, the Club bridges India and South Africa through cultural exchange, charity, emergency support, and landmark public events such as India Day.

Consulate General of India, Johannesburg

The Consulate General of India promotes diplomatic relations, trade, and cultural exchange between India and South Africa. Through public diplomacy, consular support, and initiatives like India Day, the Consulate fosters deep bilateral ties built on shared history and mutual growth.

OTT – On Time Telecom

OTT (On Time Telecom) is a leading South African telecom provider delivering high-speed internet, connectivity solutions, and digital innovation across communities. OTT’s mission is to keep South Africa connected, competitive, and culturally enriched in a fast-changing world.

EDITOR’S NOTES:

• India Day is the largest annual Indian cultural celebration in South Africa.
• Now in its latest iteration, the event continues to grow in scale, impact, and diversity.
• India Day contributes to Johannesburg’s cultural, social, and economic development.
• The event promotes cross-cultural learning and inspires new generations to celebrate identity.