Some of India’s biggest music and dance stars will take to the stage at the Hydro for the Glasgow 2026 Closing Ceremony.
During the handover segment at the Glasgow 2026 closing ceremony, the stars will perform as part of a colourful showcase welcoming Amdavad as the host city for the 2030 Games.
The segment will feature a three-act performance celebrating culture and unity, beginning with a tribute to 150 years of Vande Mataram – the national song of India and a symbol of unity.
Led by actress and Miss World Manushi Chhillar, the theatrical opening will include a vibrant ensemble of dancers bringing India’s cultural identity to life.
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Manushi Chhillar (Image: Glasgow 2026)
Louisa Mahon, chief marketing and ceremonies officer at Glasgow 2026, said: “This handover is more than a ceremonial formality – it’s a spectacle that captures the spirit of two nations coming together on one stage.
“From the power and poetry of Vande Mataram to the extraordinary dialogue between sitar and pipes, and a finale that brings Gujarat’s vibrant culture to life, we’re giving Glasgow audiences a first look at the scale and soul of what’s coming to Amdavad 2030.
“It’s a privilege to welcome some of India’s biggest stars to Scotland for the very first time, and to send the Commonwealth Games forward with the joy, colour and unity it deserves.”
The second act will blend musical traditions from both countries in a Jugalbandi – a classical Indian duet – featuring sitarist Rishab Rikhiram Sharma and Scottish musician Ross Ainslie.
Rishab Rikhiram Sharma (Image: Glasgow 2026)
Ross Ainslie (Image: Glasgow 2026)
They will unite the sitar with Scotland’s pipes and whistles in a cross-cultural performance.
The tribute concludes with a musical journey across India, spotlighting the state of Gujarat, which will host the centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030.
Composed and performed by Shankar Mahadevan and his sons Siddharth and Shivam Mahadevan, the segment will feature iconic Indian songs and dramatic staging.
The performance will also include Gujarat’s own Bhoomi Trivedi and dynamic choreography.
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Bhoomi Trivedi (Image: Glasgow 2026)
This will mark the first time Manushi Chhillar, Shivam Mahadevan and Bhoom Trivedi perform in Scotland.
Chanda Singh, director TCM Platform and ceremony director for the India handover, said: “Every moment of this handover was designed with one purpose – to make the Commonwealth family feel the warmth, energy and optimism of India.
“Through this handover ceremony, we wanted to showcase an India that is confident and deeply rooted in its traditions.
“Amdavad 2030 will celebrate 100 years of the Commonwealth Games, and today’s ceremony is the first chapter in that journey.
“We are excited to welcome athletes, fans and nations from across the Commonwealth to experience an India unlike ever before.”
Shankar Mahadevan and Sons (Image: Glasgow 2026)
The closing ceremony on August 2 will be headlined by Glasgow rock band Simple Minds and will also feature performances from Cammy Barnes, BEMZ, Sandi Thom, Shereen Cutkelvin, Elephant Sessions and radio host George Bowie.
Diversity will also perform with one of their signature dance routines.
Tickets are available at glasgow2026.com/tickets.
