India by the Bay proudly welcomes writer, activist and lawyer Banu Mushtaq to Hong Kong for the very first time. Emerging from the protest literature movement of southwestern India in the 1970s-80s, Mushtaq's voice was shaped by a collective that challenged entrenched caste and class hierarchies - and she stands out as one of its few female contributors. Writing in Kannada, she has published six short story collections, a novel, an essay compilation, and a volume of poetry. Heart Lamp, the first full-length translation of her writing into English, was awarded the International Booker Prize in May this year. Mushtaq will be in conversation with author Mishi Saran.

The Gala Dinner is a celebration inspired by the spirit of home, where cuisine commingles with community. This thoughtfully curated meal is a collaboration between two exceptional chefs, exploring the heart and heritage of Indian cuisine - in a setting crafted to feel like home. The evening will be punctuated by delightful surprises, to enhance this unforgettable dining experience.

English, often considered the most widely spoken language in the world, is full of wonder, wit, and anomalies. Politician, writer, and wordsmith Shashi Tharoor takes us on a journey through the curious wonderland of English, unpacking the puzzles of punctuation, the quirks of spelling and grammar, and the layered history of Indian English. With over 130 million speakers, India ranks as the second-largest English-speaking nation, where the language was not only adopted but gained a new voice.

Get ready for a day of discovery, creativity and connection! From vibrant arts and crafts to foot-tapping music, energetic dance, calming yoga, delicious bites, and spirited sports - India by the Bay's Family Day is packed with hands-on workshops and lively performances designed to delight the whole family. It's a joyful celebration of Indian culture where every generation can join the fun.

A living legend takes the stage in Hong Kong. Ustad Amjad Ali Khan is one of India's most revered classical musicians - a maestro whose unparalleled command of the sarod has captivated audiences worldwide. A sixth-generation musician, he carries forward a legacy that has shaped and refined the instrument for over two centuries. For Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, music is a profound tradition that demands time, respect, and devotion.

Nrityagram is a celebrated dance gurukul devoted to the preservation and evolution of Odissi, a classical dance form with a 2,000-year legacy. More than a school, it is a living sanctuary - part home, part muse, and wholly immersed in the spirit of dance. Hailed by The New York Times as "among the world's greatest dancers," Nrityagram has captivated audiences across the globe. India by the Bay brings that magic to Hong Kong with Khankhana: The Sound of Dancing Feet, a luminous collection of works choreographed over three decades by internationally acclaimed Odissi artist Surupa Sen. Each piece embodies her singular vision and poetic mastery of movement, inviting audiences into a living dialogue between ancient tradition and contemporary expression.

A vibrant fusion of Indian, Chinese and Western classical music featuring acclaimed Hong Kong-based musicians. Ustad Ghulam Siraj Niazi, the guiding force of the Rampur-Sahaswan tradition, will be accompanied by Mehdi Hasan Niazi (vocals), Ustad Ghulam Sultan Niyazi (tabla), and Ustad Shehzad Husain Khan (harmonium) from PUMKHA (Padma Bhushan Ustad Mushtaq Husain Khan Association). Simon Hui (bass), William Lane (viola), and Yeung Ching Ho Grammy (guzheng) join us from HKNME (Hong Kong New Music Ensemble), and Ma Wai Him (suona and guan) joins us with kind permission of the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra. Among the evening's highlights, the musicians will be performing a new work from renowned Hong Kong composer and violinist Luk Wai Chun.