The Mayor said: "India is not only one of the world's most important and rapidly growing economies, an emerging economic superpower, but it also has one of the world's most important cultures. In 2007, we are aiming to strengthen London's relations with India, building on the significant contribution that the Indian community - the largest minority national group in London - already makes to the economic, cultural and social success of the capital. With the arrival of more Indian companies, India's cultural impact on London is going to increase further. India Now will be an opportunity to experience the richness of Indian culture and will underline the relationship London has with India. “

The season will be launched in the week commencing 16th July by the Mayor and an Indian and London artist for a spectacular event designed to portray the theme of the 2007 programme "India and London - partners in globalisation".

India Now will feature several key events, one of which will be a three-week Indian-themed Trafalgar Square Festival commencing on the Thursday 2 August. The famous square in the centre of London will see spectacular Indian and Indian-related outdoor events. Then on Sunday 2 September – Regent Street – one of London’s premiere shopping streets will be transformed into an Indian streetscape complete with music, spectacular sculptures, food and artisans.

A cornerstone of ‘India Now’ will be a fashion show on Friday 7 September at the Victoria and Albert Museum called ‘Fashion in Motion.’ The event will showcase the new autumn collection of one of India’s most famous designers.

Other season highlights include Indian-themed club nights, ongoing performances of Rafta –Rafta at the National Theatre, a spectacular Bollywood premier at Somerset House and a major Indian exhibition at the Museum of London, ‘Looking Back to Look Forward’.

Over 150 of London's cultural organisations and attractions will participate in the 'India Now' season which will showcase India's contribution to world culture, its rich tradition and most importantly raise awareness and celebrate new Indian trends across art, film, theatre, food, music and fashion. Both invited Indian artists and London-based artists will be involved in the events.

Many Indian associations are contributing to the 'India Now' season, as are a wide range of London's organisations and attractions across the capital, including the National Film Theatre, Victoria and Albert Museum, the South Bank and Barbican centres, Watermans, Thames Festival, the Institute of Contemporary Arts and Akademi.

Events will include:

JULY

• Throughout July: Museum of London: Out of India – an exhibition looking at the contribution of Asian Londoners over the past 50 years
• Monday 2 July: Watermans Media Collective – building site: a commentary on the natures of cities and city living from the perspective of artists living in Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore
• Thursday 12 July: Brunei Gallery - From Soho Road to the Punjab - 50 years of Bhangra Music, culture and style
• Saturday 14 July: British Museum: Anniversary Exhibition celebrating Indian independence

AUGUST

• Thursday 2 August : three-week Indian-themed Trafalgar Square Festival commences
• Friday 10 August: ICA: Futureworld City: Mumbai Club Night
• Sunday 12 August: The London Mela - a major free festival, which celebrates the creativity and culture of London's Asian communities
• Wednesday 15 August: BBC Proms: A celebration of Indian music
• Wednesday 15 August: British Museum: 1,000 years of Indian painting
• Thursday 23 August: Spectacular conclusion of Trafalgar Square Festival
• Wednesday 29 August: Victoria & Albert Museum: Friday Night Late: Mumbai

SEPTEMBER

• Saturday 1 – Friday 14 September: The Noble Sage art gallery presents India Now
• Sunday 2 September: Regent Street Festival: An Indian Summer - London’s premiere shopping street will be transformed into an Indian streetscape complete with music, spectacular sculptures, food and artisans
• Thursday 6 September: Conran shop: An Indian design season
• Friday 7 September: Victoria and Albert Museum: ‘Fashion in Motion.’ – showcasing Indian designer, Manish Arora
• 22/23 September: Southbank: Indomania Weekend – Indian musicians, artists, writers across the South Bank