A local Slovakian musical group performing ancient Sanskrit chants became the unexpected highlight of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit to Bratislava, earning praise from the Indian PM for keeping India's spiritual heritage alive in central Europe.
The ensemble, known as the Mahadeva Kirtan Projekt, was invited to perform during the Prime Minister's official welcome reception at his hotel. For an audience that included top diplomats and members of the Indian diaspora, the band delivered a soulful, rhythmic rendition of traditional Indian kirtan (call-and-response devotional chanting).
The Mahadeva Kirtan Project is a commendable initiative that showcases the enduring cultural bonds between India and Slovakia.
In Bratislava yesterday, witnessed a performance by this team. It is appreciable how they are deeply inspired by Indian spiritual traditions, Sanskrit… pic.twitter.com/iu1Zu9DBf9
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 15, 2026
Inspired by a journey to India
The project is the brain child of Marek Zilinec, a professional Slovak drummer and percussionist.
Speaking after the performance, Zilinec shared that his deep bond with Indian classical music began during a transformative trip to India, where he was first exposed to sacred mantras.
"When I first visited India and listened to the spiritual music and mantras there, I discovered the miracle of mantra," Zilinec told DD News. "It gave me an inspiration—something that no other music gives me."
Despite years of formal training in Western music, Zilinec explained that the depth and emotional resonance of Indian spiritual music offered him something entirely unique.
#WATCH | Bratislava, Slovakia | Drummer and percussionist Marek Žilinec, founder of the Slovak musical and spiritual ensemble, Mahadeva Kirtan Projekt, says, "It was an honour and we are thankful that we could play for him (PM Modi). I am thankful to the Embassy of India in… https://t.co/oZuXvOgXSi pic.twitter.com/UdR207G60A
— ANI (@ANI) June 14, 2026
Watching from the front row, Prime Minister Modi was seen smiling and tapping his hands to the rhythm, later personally thanking the group for their performance.
The reception also featured a choral performance of India's national song, "Vande Mataram," by the famous Slovak folklore group Lúčnica, and a lively welcome dance by local children in traditional Slovak attire.
