If you love discovering culture through dance, Malaysia’s TARI’25 ASWARA Gala Night was truly one for the books. Held on 23 November 2025 at Zepp Kuala Lumpur, this spectacular evening marked the grand finale of the 11th International Folk Dance Festival, hosted by ASWARA (The National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage).

This year, the festival shone a spotlight on the rich and diverse folk traditions of ASEAN, bringing together performers from across the region. It was more than just a night of cultural entertainment…. it was a celebration of unity, creativity, and Malaysia’s commitment to fostering regional harmony, especially as we gear up for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026).

TARI has long been known as one of Malaysia’s premier cultural platforms, and its return this year after a lengthy pause was met with massive anticipation.

Since its inception in 1994, the festival has championed artistic exchange, and TARI’25 continues that legacy…. reuniting dancers, scholars, and cultural practitioners from around the world under one vibrant roof.

The Gala Night brought together over 600 performers from Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Brunei, and Sri Lanka, offering a breathtaking lineup of traditional folk dance performances.

Think intricate choreography, colourful costumes, and beautiful reinterpretations of cultural heritage… each piece telling a story of its own.

One of the most magical highlights of the evening was the special presentation of “Samrah Mentari”, performed by Malaysia’s legendary vocalist Datuk Jamal Abdillah. Paired with the Orkestra Tradisional Malaysia (OTM) and Artistana Istana Budaya, the performance blended music, vocals, and classical Malay aesthetics into a powerful, emotional showcase.

The event was graced by the attended by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) Datuk Shahauddim Abu Sohot, whose attendance reinforced the government’s support for cultural preservation and Malaysia’s continued rise as a cultural destination in the ASEAN region.

If you’re planning your cultural adventures ahead of VM2026, keep an eye out for ASWARA’s future programmes. Nights like TARI’25 are a beautiful reminder of how travel, culture, and the arts come together to tell the stories of a nation — one dance at a time.

For more information about TARI’25 ASWARA, follow and get more details and information by following their social media updates as stated below;

Facebook : ASWARA, Fakulti Tari

Website : ASWARA Edu

Instagram & X : @aswaraofficial, @tari_aswara

TikTok : @fakultitariaswara