Jujutsu Kaisen, Spider-Man To Toy Story: CORE Festival 2026 Becomes A Pop Culture Paradise

Mumbai

witnessed a celebration of fandom like never before as CORE (Culture of Real Experiences) Festival 2026 took over the Jio World Convention Centre on June 20 and 21. Marketed as India's largest official pop-culture festival, the event brought together fans of anime, comics, movies, gaming, and homegrown storytelling under one roof. From immersive Doraemon experiences and larger-than-life installations inspired by Demon Slayer and Jujutsu Kaisen to dedicated zones for Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Toy Story 5, Angry Birds 3, Supergirl, and The Odyssey, there was something for every fan. Cosplay, collectibles, interactive exhibits, and themed streets made the festival a vibrant celebration of pop culture.

Doraemon brings a wave of nostalgia

One of the biggest crowd-pullers at the CORE festival was the Doraemon zone, which instantly transported visitors back to their childhood. Fans of all ages stopped for photos and explored the immersive game setup dedicated to the beloved blue robotic cat, proving that some icons never go out of style.

Anime fans take over Tokyo Street

Tokyo Street was easily one of the biggest highlights. Dedicated entirely to Japanese pop culture, anime, and manga, the immersive zone felt like stepping into a real-life anime universe. Fans explored themed experiences inspired by popular titles such as Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen, Chainsaw Man, Haikyu!!, and One Piece, while life-sized installations, including a recreation of the Prison Realm from Jujutsu Kaisen, became major photo spots. The area also featured official merchandise, manga, fan-art marketplaces, a Crunchyroll-themed escape room, and cosplay showcases, creating a vibrant hub for anime enthusiasts throughout the festival.

Toy Story 5, Angry Birds 3 delight both kids and adults

Popular animated franchises found a special place the festival, drawing visitors across generations. The Toy Story 5 zone featuring larger-than-life displays of Woody and Buzz Lightyear sparked nostalgia among longtime Pixar fans, while younger attendees eagerly stopped for photos with the beloved characters.Meanwhile, the colourful Angry Birds 3 activation recreated the playful world of the iconic franchise, complete with vibrant installations and themed décor. Both these experiences have proven that, whether it is revisiting a childhood favorite or discovering something for the very first time, animation endures as a universally beloved form of entertainment.

The Moana Pop-Up Experience transports visitors into the adventurous world of Moana through immersive themed zones, interactive activities, and memorable photo opportunities. Designed especially for younger fans, the attraction is part of a dedicated kids' street featuring games, activity areas, character interactions, and entertainment alongside Care Bears, robotics exhibits, Formula One simulators, and live music performances.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day swings into the spotlight

The Spider-Man: Brand New Day installation attracted superhero fans and quickly became one of the festival's most photographed attractions. The eye-catching setup allowed fans to step into Spider-Man's world, complete with a cityscape backdrop inspired by the upcoming film.

Adding a unique twist to the experience were cosplayers dressed as Ram and Sita from Amar Chitra Katha, who made a special appearance alongside the Marvel superhero. The unexpected sight of Spider-Man sharing the stage with two iconic figures from Indian mythology perfectly captured CORE Festival 2026's ability to bring together global pop-culture icons and homegrown storytelling in one space.

Celebrating Indian stories and heroes

Beyond international franchises, the festival also highlighted Indian storytelling through experiences dedicated to the Indian Armed Forces and Amar Chitra Katha. These exhibits offered a refreshing blend of culture, history, and inspiration, showcasing how homegrown stories can stand alongside global pop-culture giants.

The Odyssey Zone offers an epic adventure

Inspired by Christopher Nolan's upcoming epic The Odyssey, the festival's Odyssey-themed zone offered visitors a glimpse into the legendary tale through immersive installations. Blending mythology, adventure, and cinematic spectacle, the attraction invited fans to step into the world of Odysseus while celebrating one of the most anticipated films on the horizon.Beyond the immersive fan experiences, the festival also delivered a refreshing atmosphere with live music performances and a diverse selection of food counters. Visitors could enjoy everything from energetic stage acts to delicious snacks and meals, making the event a complete entertainment destination.