New Delhi to Become the Epicenter of Cultural Unity from December 3–5, 2025

New Delhi —

India will host the first-ever Global Pythonova Pythian Games in National capital, New Delhi, from December 3–5, 2025. The announcement was made today during the “3rd National Executive Council Meeting” of the Pythian Council of India, held at Hotel Le Meridien, under the leadership of Mr. Bijender Goel, Founder of the Modern Pythian Games and founding secretary general of the International Pythian Council. He was accompanied by Mr shantanu Agrahari , President and Mr Siva Kumar Secreatry general of Pythian council of india.

Delegates and Executive Members from various Indian states attended the meeting, engaging in strategic discussions to promote the Pythian Games at the local and global level.

In a press briefing following the meeting, Mr. Goel revealed that the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) has assured full cooperation in this global cultural initiative. He also shared details of his recent constructive discussions with Mr. Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, raising hopes for inclusive participation.

A delegation of the Pythian Council of India will soon meet the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Delhi and the Secretary of the Ministry of Culture to formalize government support.

International Endorsements and Cultural Legacy

Mr. Goel announced that the International Delphic Committee (Russia), Ecumenical Delphic Union (Greece), and the Government of Cyprus have officially endorsed the Modern Pythian Movement.

Inspired by the ancient Pythian Games of Greece—one of the four Pan-Hellenic Games held in honor of Apollo at Delphi—the Modern Pythian Games revive this cultural legacy after nearly 1,630 years. The games, originally focused on excellence in music, poetry, arts, and prophecy, were envisioned anew in 2020 by Mr. Goel and formally launched in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Addressing a press conference after the meeting, here, Mr Goelstated that the International Delphic Committee (Russia), the Ecumenical Delphic Union (Greece), and the Government of Cyprus have officially supported the Modern Pythian Movement.

“The ancient Pythian Games were one of the four Panhellenic Games of Greece, dedicated to the god Apollo, and were held in Delphi. These games were a celebration of excellence in art, music, poetry, and prophecy, and served as a major center for cultural exchange. After nearly 1,630 years, Mr. Bijender Goel conceived the idea of the Modern Pythian Games in the year 2020, and it was formally announced in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, the movement has spread globally and has become a significant platform dedicated to art, tradition, and cultural diplomacy” he said.

 "In a world full of divisions, the Pythian Games offer a global platform for unity through culture," he said. He further added that a centralized franchise model will be introduced for the Pythian Games at the global, national, and local levels, to ensure transparency, accountability, and a streamlined functioning”.

Mr. Shantanu Agrahari, President of the Pythian Council of India, announced that the next National Pythian Games will be held in September/October 2025. He stated, "These national games will serve as an important training ground for Indian artists and participants." He further added, "India’s rich cultural heritage and young talent make it a suitable host for global events."

A Unique Global Platform for Culture, Arts & Innovation

Unlike conventional sporting events, the Modern Pythian Games are the world’s only multidisciplinary cultural games, celebrating art, culture, heritage, traditional sports, and creative technology under one unified platform.

“In a world divided by differences, the Pythian Games offer a global stage for unity through culture,” said Mr. Goel.

He also announced a global-to-local franchise model for the games to ensure transparency, accountability, and streamlined operations.

Upcoming National Pythian Games – Sept/Oct 2025

Mr. Shantanu Agrahari, IAS and President of the Pythian Council of India, announced that the next edition of the National Pythian Games will be organized in September/October 2025.

“These national games will serve as an essential rehearsal and platform for Indian artists and participants,” he noted.

“India’s rich cultural legacy and dynamic youth make it a fitting host for global cultural events.”

Launch of Official Mobile App

A major technological milestone was achieved with the launch of the official Modern Pythian Games mobile app, inaugurated by Mr. Goel.

“This app is not just a digital tool; it is a bridge for global cultural inclusion,” he said.

Key features include:

• Virtual competitions in music, dance, painting, poetry, photography, and other performing arts

• Fitness-based events like virtual marathons, cyclothons, and walkathons

• Daily health tracking through step counters

• Interactive registration and submission portals

A Cultural Renaissance in the Making

Mr. Shiv Kumar, Secretary General of the Pythian Council of India, added:

“The Modern Pythian Games are a step toward creative diplomacy and cultural solidarity. This initiative transcends geographic and political boundaries through the power of art and tradition.”

The games serve as a complement to the Olympic Games, offering a global stage to disciplines not represented in the Olympics—such as art, heritage, traditional sports, and creative technology. Mr. Kumar emphasized that the Indian operations are guided by an international charter and supported by various governments, cultural institutions, and professionals around the world.

Mr. B.H. Anil Kumar, IAS, former Chairman of the Pythian Council of India and Trustee of Delphic India Trust, remarked:

“The world today urgently needs the Pythian Games. India has a historic opportunity to lead this peaceful and inclusive cultural renaissance.”

Prominent Dignitaries Present at the Event

• Mr. Sanjay Srivastava, IAS

• Mr. Dilip Singh, IAS

• Mr. R.K. Srivastava, IAS (Former Chief Secretary, Goa)

• Mr. Shantanu Agrahari, IAS

• Mr. Rajesh Jogpal, IAS

• Ms. Anuradha Pal, IAS

• Mr. Akash Jain, IRS

• Mr. Sahil Seth, IRS

• Mr. Vishnu Sharma, IPS

• Mr. Ajay Khurana, Industrialist

• Ms. Sum Laha, Entrepreneur

• Mr. Jaskaran Singh, AgriFed