Activities organised as part of India-Qatar Year of Culture-2019 India-Qatar

Activities organised as part of India-Qatar Year of Culture-2019

 

EVENTS ORGANIZED IN QATAR 
AS PART OF THE 

INDIA-QATAR YEAR OF CULTURE 2019 

INTRODUCTION 

The year 2019 was celebrated as the India-Qatar Year of Culture. The decision to do so was taken during the visit of the Prime Minister of India, H.E. Narendra Modi, to Qatar in June 2016. This understanding was reflected in the Joint Statement issued at that time. The Embassy of India, with the support of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, organised a 'Festival of India' in Qatar, to showcase the deep cultural roots and people-to-people links between India and Qatar. Several events have been organised as part of this Festival of India and as part of Year of Culture. A good number of cultural events were also organized, in partnership with various Indian community organisations, to highlight the myriad dimensions of Indian culture. We were indeed delighted to partner with Qatar Museums, Ministry of Culture and Sports, Qatar National Tourism Council, Katara Cultural Village, Museum of Islamic Art and a number of other relevant agencies on the Qatari side, as part of this endeavour.

The 'Year of Culture' assumed a special significance for India, as this coincided with 70th Year of India as a Republic. These celebrations indeed offered the two countries a unique opportunity of renewing and revitalizing our special bonds of cultural heritage and help enhance the quality of our engagement at the people-to-people level.

Listed below are details of various events organised till date, in chronological order, as part of the year-long celebrations, along with a brief of each event.

 

 

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JANUARY 2019 

INDIAN FASHION DESIGNERS AT SHOP QATAR DESIGN DISTRICT

(5 – 12 JANUARY 2019, DOHA EXHIBITION AND CONVENTION CENTER)
(ORGANIZED BY: QATAR NATIONAL TOURISM COUNCIL).

 

Five well-known Indian fashion designers - Tarun Tahiliani, Raghavendra Rathore, Wendell Rodricks, Namrata Joshipura and Raw Mango - participated in the displays organised at Shop Qatar Design District in January 2019, as part of the festivities organised under Qatar Shopping Festival 2019. The exquisite designs exhibited by these designers helped showcase the depth of talent and the diversity available in the Indian fashion design industry, in addition to the cultural affinities between India and the Arab world, as shown by the popularity of Indian designs in this part of the world.

 

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CONCERT BY BOLLYWOOD SINGER ARIJIT SINGH

(18 JANUARY 2019, LUSAIL SPORTS ARENA)

(ORGANIZED BY: QATAR NATIONAL TOURISM COUNCIL,
MINISTRY OF CULTURE & SPORTS, ONE FM RADIO)

 

Bollywood singing sensation Arijit Singh held a high profile concert and enthralled a large audience of nearly 20,000 with a soulful performance on 18th January 2019 at Lusail Sports Arena. The event featured renditions of a number of his much-admired and award-winning tracks. 'One FM Radio' brought the renowned singer to Doha in association with Shop Qatar 2019, the third edition of the Qatar's biggest shopping festival that is part of the Qatar National Tourism Council's strategy to grow and diversify the country's tourism offering.

 

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FEBRUARY 2019 

OPENING CEREMONY

(ORGANIZED BY: QATAR MUSEUMS,
MINISTRY OF CULTURE & SPORTS, KATARA CULTURAL VILLAGE)

TICKET TO BOLLYWOOD
(4-5 FEBRUARY 2019, KATARA CULTURAL VILLAGE)

 

This event, commissioned by Qatar Museums, formally opened the celebrations of the India-Qatar Year of Culture and featured a tribute to Bollywood - the world's largest film industry (in terms of the number of films produced per year). The programme, which has been successfully presented at a number of international platforms, was directed by the award-winning director, Ms. Shubhra Bhardwaj and choreographed by Mr. Pravarsen Yesambare. Three distinct segments - Ancient India, Traditional India and Modern India - gave a glimpse of India through Bollywood across genres, regions and eras with a wide range of costumes, colours and sounds, making it a visual delight for the audiences.

The programme also included a performance by over 75 students from Birla Public School, featuring excerpts of classical and folk dances from different parts of India.

A group of Indian artists resident in Qatar, belonging to the Visual Arts Forum India (VAFI), exhibited a selection of their select paintings titled 'Historical Monuments of India”, on the sidelines of the event.

 

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MUSIC OF BOLLYWOOD

(NAVEEN KUMAR AND TROUPE) 
(8 FEBRUARY 2019, QATAR NATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE) 
(PARTNER ORGANISATIONS: QATAR PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA, 
QATAR MUSEUMS, INDIAN COMMUNITY BENEVOLENT FORUM)

 

A fusion musical performance which brought together for the first time the team of Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, composer Tomas Kantolinen and several Indian musicians, whose names are given below, to attempt a musical fusion of the Indian and Arab styles:
Naveen Kumar (flute)
Ravi Chari (sitar)
Tanmoy Bose (tabla)
Ratul Shankar (drum)
Madhab Deka (keyboard)
Hricha Debraj Das (vocal)
Pranav Robin Joseph (vocal)

Together, they mesmerised the audience with the following pieces:
Theme from Bombay (by A.R. Rahman)
Spirit of Thunder (by Dana Alfardan)
Four Seasons (by Nasser Sahim)
Music from Chaudhvin Ka Chand (by Ravi)
Cyclists Theme (Unknown)
From Shafallah Suite: The Oryx and the Unicorn (by Wael Binali)
Cry of Rose (Kadhal Rojave) (by A.R. Rahman)
Cafe Fluid (by Naveen Kumar)
Medley of Tollywood and Bollywood (by A.R. Rahman)
Ave Maria: Symphonic Music on Indian Bansuri (Unknown)
Fantasy Flute (by Naveen Kumar)
From the movie Thalapathi: 'Rakkamma Kaiya Thattu' (by Ilaiyaraaja)
Music from Baahubali (by M.M. Keeravani)

 

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CONTEMPORARY DANCE PERFORMANCE

(21-22 FEBRUARY 2019 AT HOTEL ST. REGIS & DPS MIS SCHOOL AUDITORIUM)
(SUPPORTED BY THE MINISTRY OF CULTURE, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA)

(PARTNER ORGANISATIONS: QATAR MUSEUMS,
QATAR MINISTRY OF CULTURE & SPORTS, KATARA CULTURAL VILLAGE)

 

 

This event, organised as part of the Festival of India in Qatar and supported by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, featured a contemporary dance performance by Dishaa Creative Dance Group, led by Ms. Basu Sharma. It was an amalgamation of several Indian dance styles and was enacted by a troupe of 12 performers. The performance was structured around six themes, in six parts named “Aura”, “Elements”, “Two shades”, “Mohe Rang Do Laal”, “Jugalbandi (fusion)” and “Holiya me ude gulaal”.

The dance piece “Aura” highlighted the significance of spirituality in our lives, fusing together yoga movements and Indian contemporary dance; “Elements” depicted fire and water elements; “Two Shades” brought into picture the two sides of life; “Mohe Rang Do Laal” celebrated the festival of colour through Kathak dance; and “Jugalbandi” was a fusion of dances highlighting the cultural diversity of India. The event ended with a Rajasthani folk dance - “Holiya me ude gulaal”.

 

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FEBRUARY 2019 

INDIA PAVILION AT DOHA JEWELLERY & WATCHES EXHIBITION

(20-25 FEBRUARY 2019, QATAR NATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE)
(SUPPORTED BY GEMS & JEWELLERY EXPORT PROMOTION COUNCIL, INDIA)

(PARTNER ORGANISATIONS: INDIAN BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL COUNCIL, QATAR AIRWAYS)

 

The Gems & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) of India organised, for the first time, an India Pavilion at the 16th Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition (DJWE), held from 20-25 February 2019 at Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC). The India Pavilion included 13 exhibitors and showcased a complete range of products, including studded jewellery with precious stones; handmade jewellery specifically catering to Arab tastes and preferences; and a wide range of contemporary and modern jewellery, with detailed craftsmanship and intricate designs inspired by the latest European and Middle Eastern trends.

The Pavilion served to showcase India’s unique capabilities and skills in the craftsmanship of intricate and exquisite jewellery, influenced by the rich history of architectural designs and elaborate art motifs. India is one of the largest exporters of gems and jewellery and exports 75 per cent of the world’s polished diamonds. India’s gems & jewellery exports to the Middle East accounted for over US$ 10 billion in 2018.

The Pavilion was inaugurated by H.E. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the Prime Minister of Qatar and was also graced by the renowned Hindi film actress Ms. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who was the brand Ambassador for DJWE this year.

 

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INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC ENSEMBLE (JUGALBANDI)


(28 FEBRUARY & 1-2 MARCH 2019 AT KATARA CULTURAL VILLAGE & INDIAN CULTURAL CENTRE)
(SUPPORTED BY THE MINISTRY OF CULTURE, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA)
(PARTNER ORGANISATIONS: QATAR MUSEUMS,
MINISTRY OF CULTURE & SPORTS, KATARA CULTURAL VILLAGE)

 

This event, organised as part of the Festival of India in Qatar and supported by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, featured Tabla virtuoso & percussionist Pandita Anuradha Pal and her team, who enthralled the audience with their live performance at Drama Theatre, Katara Cultural Village on 28 February & on 1 March. A repeat performance was held at the Indian Cultural Centre on 2nd March for the larger Indian community.
Anuradha Pal, India’s First female professional Tabla and percussion virtuoso, presented an Instrumental Music Ensemble (Jugalbandi), along with her talented team of musicians. Anuradha Pal is an internationally acclaimed accompanist with top Indian classical musicians and an enthusiastic collaborator with Jazz, African, Latin, Flamenco, Crossover Classical, Percussion, Pop, Rock & New-age music. She holds the honour of being the Youngest and first female Indian Musician to perform at two of the most prestigious music festivals in the world – Woodstock Festival (2008) & WOMAD Festival (1999).
The musical evening contained interactive narrations through innovative rhythmic dialogue on the Tabla, Violin and Flute, followed by an Ensemble between the Tabla, Dholak, Kadtaal, Pakhawaj, Udu, Djembe and Darabuka. The concert also gave an insight into the folklore of Rajasthan.
The band consisted of five talented musicians including two instrumentalists (one on the carnatic violin and the other on Hindustani flute), one performer of Rajasthani folk songs, a keyboard player and percussionists playing various instruments, as Anuradha Pal led on the Tabla, Pakhawaj, Handsonic and Djembe.
Indian music, which has interacted and benefited from external influences over many centuries, is one of the finest examples of the abiding links between India and the Arab world in the field of culture and music.

 

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MARCH 2019 

MUSICAL CONCERT BY VISHAL & SHEKHAR


(1 MARCH 2019, ALI BIN HAMAD AL ATTIYAH ARENA, DOHA)
(ORGANIZED BY: FAB ENTERTAINMENT)
(PARTNER ORGANISATIONS: QATAR NATIONAL TOURISM COUNCIL,
QATAR AIRWAYS, ST. REGIS DOHA)

 

Vishal Dadlani and Shekhar Ravjiani, described often by the media as 'Sultans of Swag', performed in Doha on 1 March 2019. In a tribute to India-Qatar collaboration, they were also joined briefly by Qatar’s Grammy-nominated singer Fahad Al Kubaisi, who creatively combined with them for a rendition of their greatest hit 'Swag Se Karenge Sabka Swagat ...'

The performance, which featured a number of popular Bollywood hits, was held to a capacity crowd of over 6000 at the venue. FAB Entertainment, the organizer of the event, also promoted the Welfare for Workers Initiative, which saw local companies with large numbers of Indian labourers, signing up for discounted tickets for its labour work force to gain access to the concert.

 

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RAJASTHANI FOLK MUSIC


(6-8 MARCH 2019 AT DPS MIS SCHOOL AUDITORIUM, DUKHAN CINEMA & INDIAN CULTURAL CENTRE)
(SUPPORTED BY THE MINISTRY OF CULTURE, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA)
(PARTNER ORGANISATIONS: QATAR MUSEUMS,
MINISTRY OF CULTURE & SPORTS, INDIAN CULTURAL CENTRE)


This event, organised as part of the Festival of India in Qatar and supported by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, showcased the folk music & dances of Rajasthan, by Girdhari Lal Dangi and his award-winning troupe from Girdhar Kala Sansthan. Lively and colourful performances were held by the troupe at three different places - at the auditorium of DPS-MIS School on 7 March 2019; at Dukhan Town on 8 March 2019; and at Indian Cultural Centre on 9 March, 2019. The performances presented a soulful journey into the melody of Rajasthani music and folk dances:

Kesariya Balam is described as the Soul of Rajasthan. This was sung for the warriors on their return home after fighting wars away from home, by their wives. Presently this song is sung as a welcome song for foreign tourists visiting Rajasthan. It is sung in Mand singing style, inspired from the story of Dhola and Maru, a story of a Rajput's bravery, sacrifices and tradition, set against the backdrop of the Thar desert.

Ghoomar dance form was introduced by the Bhil tribe, and later adopted by the royal communities of Rajasthan. Known for its graceful movements, it is chiefly performed by veiled women who wear elaborate flowing costumes called ‘ghaghra’. It was ranked 4th in the list of "Top 10 local dances around the world" in 2013. The beauty of this folk genre is in its graceful movements that involve swaying hands, beating palms and spinning around, while singing traditional songs.

 

Kalbeliya, considered by UNESCO as intangible heritage and popularly called the snake-charmer dance, is performed by women of the Kalbeliya community. Women deck up in traditional costumes, comprising angrakhi (a jacket-like garment), odhani (veil) and black swirling ghaghra (long skirt), and dance sensuously and sinuously, to the music played by men using traditional instruments include dholak (a hand drum), khanjari and pungi (a percussion & woodwind musical instrument). The dance movements are mostly serpent-like; hence it is also referred to as ‘snake charmer’s dance’.

Kuve Par Ekali (Paniharin): Water is considered the most precious thing in the desert of Rajasthan and ladies who bring water from far away are known as ‘Panihari’. The old women produced mellow songs that spoke of sinuous rivers as well as the splattering waves. Rains and water constitute the theme for the majority of songs in Panihari style.

Gorband Nakhralo is a popular Rajasthani folk music, concentrated on the procedure of crafty ornamental strings for their conventional vehicle, camel - the ship of the desert. The camel adornment is called ‘Gorband’. The song talks about the loveliness in the perfect work drawn for decorating the camel, sung with Kaharwa beat.

Morya Aacho Boliyo Re: Peacock dance is a very beautiful & attractive duet dance style. In this, a separated lead lady recalls the voice ‘Pihu- Pihu’ of the peacock in the middle of night, and remembers her lover, who lives abroad. This dance is done with beautiful gestures on medium rhythm and motions.

Main to Mele me Ja Aayi: This duet dance highlights the festivals & rituals of Rajasthan. This dance is done at a very fast pace and rhythm. Through this dance, the lady, accompanied by her lover, describes her experience at the fair.

Chang Dhiro Re: This dance-form symbolizes the colorful culture of Rajasthan. During the Holi festival, the atmosphere of Rajasthan becomes very colorful. People dance in groups on Change-Dhap rhythm, with colorful gullets and blowing ‘Abir-Gula’.

 

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KATHAK DANCE ‘RHYTHMIC EXPRESSIONS


(14-16 MARCH, 2019 AT KATARA CULTURAL VILAGE, AL-KHOR COMMUNITY & INDIAN CULTURAL CENTRE)
(SUPPORTED BY THE MINISTRY OF CULTURE, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA)
(PARTNER ORGANISATIONS: QATAR MUSEUMS,
KATARA CULTURAL VILLAGE)

 

This event, organised as part of the Festival of India in Qatar and supported by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, featured a Kathak dance performance by Rani Khanam and her troupe. It was first held at Drama Theatre, Katara Cultural Village on 14 March 2019, then at Al Khor Community on 15 March 2019 and thereafter at the Indian Cultural Centre, Doha on 16 March 2019. It was a lively and delightful rendition of many elements of Kathak.
Kathak is one of the eight classical dance forms of India, having its origin in the story-telling tradition of India. The word ‘Kathak’ is derived from the Sanskrit word Katha which means "story", and Kathakar which means "story teller”. In this dance form, the performers, through their body movements, hand movements, footwork, and facial expressions narrate different stories. Rani Khanam and her group performed 7 items, in which they narrated different stories.
The performances included a stylized dance form "Andaz-e-Raqs", highlighting the contribution of Persian culture, where the costumes play an intrinsic role in the kinetics of choreography; ‘Yamuna Naman’ showcased the significance of the river Yamuna in India; "Shri Nand Nandan Nachat Sudhang" was based on the legend of Krishna; ‘Basant Hori’ showcased the celebration of the arrival of the spring season; “Tarana” - was a dance sequence to bring out the essence of melody & rhythm; and “Chaap Tilak Sab Cheeni” - was a soulful performance about eternal submission to the creator. The concert ended with“ Nritya Gati” which presented intricate compositions, rapid movements, complex footwork and elegant facial expressions to communicate a sense of pure joy of rhythm.

 

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ODISSI DANCE PERFORMANCE BY RINA JANA GROUP


(21-22 MARCH, 2019 AT HOTEL SHERATON DOHA & AT OXYGEN PARK, EDUCATION CITY)
(SUPPORTED BY THE MINISTRY OF CULTURE, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA)
(PARTNER ORGANISATIONS: QATAR MUSEUMS,
MINISTRY OF CULTURE & SPORTS)

 

This event, organised as part of the Festival of India in Qatar and supported by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, featured an Odissi dance performance by Rina Jana & Group. It was organised at the Al Majlis Hall, Sheraton Doha, on 21 March 2019; and again on 22 March 2019 at the Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF) at Oxygen Park (Education City).
Odissi is an ancient Indian classical dance-form which originated in Odisha, a state in Eastern India. It is traditionally a part of the dance-drama genre of performing arts. One of the most characteristic features of Odissi dance is the Tribhangi, where the body is bent in three parts like neck, torso and the knee and is considered one of the most graceful positions. The performances were composed and choreographed by Guru Rina Jana, who is a veteran artist and one of the frontline exponents of Odissi. She was trained under the tutelage of Padma Vibhushan Guru Kelucharan Mahapatra and Padma Shri Sanjukta Panigrahi. In all the items the music is sweet and melodious, pure and classical.
The troupe consisted of five dancers and six musicians and the performance comprised six items - an invocation called 'Mangalacharana' primarily expressing gratitude; ‘Dashavatar’, a celebration of the triumph of good over evil; ‘Basanta Pallavi’ welcoming spring, a pleasing season with its blossoms, fragrance-filled breezes and colorfulness which is very dear to all; ‘Abhinaya I & II’ encompassing expressional dance to communicate a story or enacting a song which speaks about love; and ‘Moksha’ the concluding item, which literally means salvation or emancipation.

 

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INDIAN PARTICIPATION AT QATAR INTERNATIONAL FOOD FESTIVAL


(20-28 MARCH 2019, OXYGEN PARK, EDUCATION CITY )
(SUPPORTED BY THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA)(PARTNER ORGANISATIONS: QATAR MUSEUMS,
QATAR NATIONAL TOURISM COUNCIL)

 

As part of the India-Qatar Year of Culture-2019, two Chefs were deputed by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, to represent India at the Qatar International Food Festival at Oxygen Park (Education City) in Doha from 20 -28 March 2019. They gave several live demonstrations of Indian cooking and also served as judges for cooking demonstrations by chefs from other countries participating in the Food Festival.

During their visit, the two Indian Chefs also gave cooking demonstrations at Chef Garden Restaurant, with the support of Qatar Foundation on 25 and 27 March 2019.

 

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A. R. RAHMAN SHOW

(22 MARCH 2019, KHALIFA STADIUM DOHA) (ORGANIZED BY: KATARA STUDIOS, MINISTRY OF CULTURE & SPORTS, QATAR AIRWAYS, SUPREME COMMITTEE FOR DELIVERY & LEGACY, ASPIRE ZONE)

 

Globally acclaimed Indian composer and musician A.R. Rahman, along with an 80-strong troupe, captivated the audience with an electrifying performance at Doha's Khalifa International Stadium. Billed as the biggest ever live stage concert in the history of Qatar, the much-anticipated event kept the over-30,000 crowd spellbound throughout the three-hour duration, with a number of his popular and award-winning numbers

Rahman, a two-time Oscar and Grammy winner, was performing for the first time in Qatar. The team performed on a 90m-long stage, a world first at the state-of-the-art venue, which is one of the stadiums for the FIFA 2022 World Cup. The maestro was joined in the concert by popular Indian playback singers Udit Narayan, Shweta Mohan, Haricharan Seshadri, A R Rahman’s sisters and popular singers from the South Indian film industry Reihana and Isshrath Quadhre, playback singer from the Malayalam film industry Alphons Joseph, Bollywood playback singer Javed Ali, singer and actor Benny Dayal, Indian film score composer Ranjit Barot, Rahman’s troupe singer Dilshad Shabbir Ahmed Shaikh and Indian-born Canadian singer Jonita Gandhi.

Before the formal start of the concert, there was a special performance by Doha’s emerging artist Aisha, who presented a tribute song honouring the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Written by renowned Qatari composer Dana Alfardan, the song was dedicated to the Qatar-India Year of Culture 2019.

 

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'UDE RE GULAL’


(29 MARCH 2019, RETAJ SALWA RESORT & OXYGEN PARK, EDUCATION CITY)

(PARTNER ORGANISATION: RAJASTHAN PARIVAR)

 

The State of Rajasthan in India is well-known for its folk music and folk dances. Folk music with traditional instruments like Khartal, Bhapang, Morchang is a vital part of Rajasthani culture. A troupe of 12 artists from Rajasthan, out of which seven are known for their folk songs and music, whereas the other five are folk-dancers, showcased the tribal dances of Rajasthan.

Jasu Khan, a child folk singer from Rajasthan (India), well-known for his performance in the famous singing TV reality show ‘Sa Re Ga Ma - Little Champs 2017’ and ‘The Voice of India - Kid 2016’, presented a number of Rajasthani folk songs at the event. Pempa Khan, another artist, demonstrated his skill in the traditional art of playing the Rajasthani folk instrument 'Khartal'.

The troupe also presented a sample of folk dances from Rajasthan, especially Ghoomar dance of Udaipur and Kalbeliya dance of Jaisalmer.

The troupe rendered a repeat performance at the Oxygen Park, Education City, as part of the Qatar International Food Festival.



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APRIL 2019

'EXHIBITION “FROM INDIA TO QATAR - A SYMBIOSIS OF CULTURES”


(4 APRIL - 31 JULY 2019, SHEIKH FAISAL BIN QASIM MUSEUM, SHAHANIA)

(PARTNER ORGANISATION: QATAR MUSEUMS, SHEIKH FAISAL BIN QASIM MUSEUM)

 

Sheikh Faisal Bin Qasim (FBQ) Museum presented an exquisite exhibition of India-related artefacts at the Museum in Shahaniya, titled ‘From India to Qatar - A Symbiosis of Cultures’, to mark the India-Qatar Year of Culture 2019. The exhibition featured a number of items of historical interest curated by Prof. Mohammed Moin Sadeq and also a special exhibition of miniature paintings curated by Indian artists Ajay and Vinita Sharma. It was inaugurated on 4 April 2019 and remained open until 31 July 2019. The
Arranged under five main themes - Community, Trade, Arts, Food and Incense – the exhibition took the visitors on a journey exploring the rich and diverse Indian culture, the longstanding historic links between Qatar and India and also the cultural similarities between Qatar and India.

 

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BHARAT UTSAV - A JOURNEY THROUGH FESTIVE CELEBRATIONS OF INDIA

(12 APRIL 2019 AT HOTEL SHERATON DOHA)

(PARTNER ORGANISATION: INDIAN CULTURAL CENTRE)

 

This event, organised in partnership with the Indian Cultural Centre Doha (ICC), the apex Indian community organisation for cultural activities, featured enchanting performances by two touring Indian troupes, with six noted classical dancers.  

The first one, from Kolkata, included the winners of various awards – Kalamandalam Swarnadipa Mahanta, classical dancer Subha Jena and Sumanjit Chakraborty. The trio performed ‘Nrityabithi Batayan’ which comprised three separate genres of Indian classical dance, namely Mohiniyattam from Kerala, Kuchipudi from Andra Pradesh and Odissi from Odisha.

The second troupe, from Chennai, was led by Uma Nambudripad Satya Narayanan and included Vidya Ravindran Anand and Jai Quehaeni Reddy, who are graded artists with Doordarshan and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations. They performed “Nrityashrinkala’, an ensemble of Bharatanatyam performances.

The performances by these visiting troupes were followed by thematic performances by talented artistes from the Indian community in Qatar, including students from Indian Schools in Qatar.

 

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FANQAAR – AN EXHIBITION 


(16-20 APRIL 2019, THE GATE MALL)
(PARTNER ORGANISATION: VISTAS GLOBAL)

 

Sixty-three pieces of art by 20 leading Indian artists were on show at 'Fanqaar' Exhibition at The Gate Mall, from 16-20 April 2019. The paintings covered a kaleidoscope of themes and wide-ranging styles representing various art movements from modern and contemporary, to cubism and expressionism, to surrealism and traditional contemporary.

Fanqaar - an Urdu word which means artist - shone the spotlight on Indian artists Francis Newton Souza, Ram Kumar, Paramjit Singh, Badri Narayan, Kalal Laxman Goud, Manu Parekh, Thota Vaikuntam, Lalu Prasad Shaw, Rabin Mondal, Milburn Cherian, G R Iranna, Ramesh Gorjala, H R Das, Laxman Aelay, Anjaneyulu Gundu, Lalbahadur Singh, Padmakar Santape, Nagesh Ghodke, Bhaskar Rao and Vishal Joshi.

 

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DANCES OF NORTH-EAST INDIA BY AMRAPALI REPERTORY


(25-26 APRIL 2019 AT DPS MIS SCHOOL AUDITORIUM & AL-KHOR COMMUNITY)
(SUPPORTED BY THE MINISTRY OF CULTURE, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA)

(PARTNER ORGANISATION: QATAR MUSEUMS)

 

This event, organised as part of the Festival of India in Qatar and supported by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, featured a 14-member Indian cultural troupe ‘Amrapali Repertory’, which showcased the richness and variety of dance forms of North-Eastern India. They presented an exquisite rendition of folklore and dances of North-East India on 25 April 2019 in the auditorium of DPS-MIS School, Doha, and on 26 April at Al-Khor Town.

The performances, composed and choreographed by Pranaame Bhagawati and Jayanta Bhagawati under the title 'Paradise Unexplored', were presented in several parts, namely Shankh Naad, Nritya Darpan, Geet Bahaar, Jhumar Folk Dance, Albela Sajan, Purvayu followed by world famous Bihu Dance.

 

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 HEYA ARABIAN FASHION EXHIBITION  

(26-30 APRIL 2019, DOHA EXHIBITION AND CONVENTION CENTRE)

 

The 15th Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition (Heya 15) was held over five days at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre. The event brought together 250 brands from 11 countries and concluded with a grand finale awards presentation. As part of the India-Qatar Year of Culture, the event featured prominent Indian designer Suneet Varma (who showcased his collection for the first time in Qatar) and three other Indian designers, namely Aneet Arora (Pero), Pallavi Dhyani (3Clothing) and Sonali Raman (S3).

 

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ODISHA- THE SOUL OF INCREDIBLE INDIA


(13-14 JUNE 2019, ABDUL AZIZ NASSER THEATRE)
(PARTNER ORGANISATION: UTKALIKA QATAR)

 

The Embassy, in partnership with ‘Utkalika’, the Odia Society of Qatar, organized “Odisha - The Soul of Incredible India”, a cultural event, on 13-14 June 2019 at Abdul Aziz Nasser Theater, Souq Waqif. The event comprised an array of classical dances, contemporary performances, sand animation art and a special musical composition to showcase the cultural richness of Odisha, a prominent state in eastern India. Celebrity performers had been flown in from India to present the cultural extravaganza.

Saswat Joshi and his team from Lasyakala performed Odissi dance. Prince Dance Troupe (of “India’s Got Talent” fame) presented some exciting contemporary dances. A.P. Pattanaik, renowned 'bansuri' flautist, rendered some special musical compositions. Mr. Manas Kumar Sahoo, a sand-art artist, presented “Sand Art - A Journey: Qatar and India”.

 

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UNISON OF STRINGS AND WIND 

(21 JUNE 2019, DRAMA THEATRE, KATARA CULTURAL VILLAGE)

 (PARTNER ORGANISATIONS: BEATS & TUNES EVENTS,

KATARA CULTURAL VILLAGE)

 

Timed to coincide with World Music Day, the concert featured Grammy awardee Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, who performed on the Mohan Veena. He presented an enthralling Indian classical ensemble (Jugalbandi) with Shashank Subramanyam, a Grammy-nominated musician playing the flute, Amita Dalal on the sitar, Patri Satish Kumar on the Mridangam and Himanshu Mahant on the tabla.

Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt has been conferred with the Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian award in India. Pandit Bhatt has performed in different musical concerts globally for the last 50 years. Maestro Shashank Subramanyam, a Grammy-nominated exponent of the Flute, has been enthralling audiences with scintillating tones from his bamboo flute. Amita Dalal, a renowned Sitar player, has enthralled audiences the world over, notably at the Moscow Olympics 1980 and the Prince Carl Theatre in Germany.

 

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ISLAMIC CALLIGRAPHY EXHIBITION

MULTAQA AL-QULUB WAL-FUNUN: A GATHERING OF HEARTS & CRAFTS"

 (18 JULY – 13 AUG 2019, KATARA CULTURAL VILLAGE)

(PARTNER ORGANISATIONS: RADIANT ARTS & KATARA CULTURAL VILLAGE)

 

Together with “Radiant Arts”, a platform for Dawoodi Bohra artists, an Islamic Calligraphy Exhibition titled “Multaqa Al-Qulub Wal-Funun: A Gathering of Hearts & Crafts” was organised at Katara Cultural Village.

The Exhibition provided a glimpse of how Arabic calligraphy is preserved and practiced in India. The exhibition also served to present the beauty of India's composite culture, especially those elements which bear affinity with Qatari culture, and Arab culture in general. Artwork by seven talented artists from the Dawoodi Bohra community were on display at the show. Quintessential Qatari cultural symbols (such as the falcon, oryx, traditional dhow etc.) and landmarks (such as the Museum of Islamic Art and the Doha skyline) were displayed by artists through their works, in addition to themes relating to India. During the event, live calligraphy sessions by the artists of Radiant Arts were also conducted.

 

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“AN EVENING OF HINDUSTANI INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC”

(26-28 AUGUST 2019, KATARA CULTURAL VILLAGE)

(PARTNER ORGANISATIONS: ICCR NEW DELHI, KATARA CULTURAL VILLAGE)

 

A Hindustani classical troupe led by Ms. Debasmita Bhattacharya, one of India's finest young Sarod players, held three performances in Qatar, as part of the India-Qatar Year of Culture. The troupe performed at Katara Cultural Village on 26 August 2019; at the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) on 27 August 2019; and at Dukhan Cinema on 28 August 2019.

The events showcased soulful performances by Debasmita Bhattacharya, accompanied by Ms. Sangita Bhattacharya on the Tanpura and Mr. Debajit Patitundi on the Tabla.

 

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“ISLAMIC MONUMENTS OF INDIA – AN EXHIBITION”

(17-28 SEPTEMBER 2019, KATARA CULTURAL VILLAGE)

(PARTNER ORGANISATIONS: KATARA CULTURAL VILLAGE)

 

Dr. Khalid Bin Ibrahim Al-Sulaiti, General Manager of Katara Cultural Village and the Ambassador of India, H.E. Mr. P. Kumaran, inaugurated a painting exhibition on “Islamic Monuments of India" organised in partnership with Katara Cultural Village, as part of the ongoing India-Qatar Year of Culture 2019.

The Exhibition featured pictures by well-known Indian photographer and art historian Mr. Benoy K. Behl on the Islamic architecture and prominent Islamic monuments in India. Mr. Behl is reportedly the most widely-travelled Indian photographer, with over 53,000 photographs to his credit.

 

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“INDIAN FILM FESTIVAL”

(18 SEPTEMBER 2019, KATARA CULTURAL VILLAGE)

(PARTNER ORGANISATIONS:

MINISTRY OF INFORMATION & BROADCASTING NEW DELHI

& KATARA CULTURAL VILLAGE)

 

The Embassy of India in Qatar, in partnership with Katara Cultural Village, screened the popular Hindi Film “Tiger Zinda Hai” with Arabic sub-titles, for invited guests at the Drama Theatre, Building 16, Katara Cultural Village.

 

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““BHARAT VASTRAM””

(20 SEPTEMBER 2019, VCU ARTS QATAR)

(PARTNER ORGANISATIONS: QATAR FOUNDATION, VCU ARTS QATAR)

 

The Qatar Foundation, in partnership with the Embassy of India and VCU Arts Qatar, hosted a ladies-only cultural and fashion show titled ‘Bharat Vastram’ on 20 September 2019, at the auditorium of VCUarts Qatar.


This event explored the distinct forms and colours of dresses from each of the 29 states of India, and the diverse traditions and rich heritage they represent. The event, followed by a reception, was well-attended by Qataris and members of other expatriate communities in Qatar.

 

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CELEBRATING KHADI: The Fabric of Freedom

(1 OCTOBER 2019, VCUarts Qatar)

(PARTNER ORGANISATION: VCUarts Qatar)

 

As a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary, the Embassy of India, in partnership with VCU Arts Qatar and the Indian Community Benevolent Forum, hosted a show titled “CELEBRATING KHADI: The Fabric of Freedom” on 1 October, 2019 at the VCUarts Auditorium at Education City in Doha.

The event featured a fashion show and exhibition to showcase the creative use of khadi fabric. It was curated by the eminent Bengaluru-based fashion consultant and choreographer Mr. Prasad Bidapa. Clothing & fashion garments made from Khadi fabric and yarns were on display outside the venue, showcasing India’s vibrant Khadi culture.

During the event, Qatar Post released a special postage stamp to mark the eve of the 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

 

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“TARANA – A MUSICAL RENDEZVOUS”

(18 OCTOBER 2019, KATARA CULTURAL VILLAGE)

ICC ADVISORY COUNCIL, QATAR)

 

The Advisory Council of the Indian Cultural Centre, in partnership with the Embassy of India, organised an Indian classical musical concert titled “Tarana - A Musical Rendezvous” at Drama Theatre, Katara Cultural Village. The event featured famous Grammy Award nominee and sitar maestro Shujaat Husain Khan, one of the top Hindustani classical musicians of his generation. He belongs to the Imdad Khan gharana and his style of playing sitar, known as the gayaki ang, is imitative of the subtleties of the human voice.


Mr. Shujat Khan captivated the audience by his unique style of sitar playing, his exceptional voice, and his intuitive and spontaneous approach to rhythm. He left the audience spellbound with his melodious performance on Sitar. He was accompanied by Amit Choubey and Sapan Anjaria on the ‘tabla’.

 

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Qatar, India and the Gulf: History, Culture and Society

(31 OCTOBER 2019 February 2020)

(PARTNER ORGANISATION: Qatar National Library)

 

An Exhibition titled ‘Qatar, India and the Gulf: History, Culture and Society’ was opened on 31 October 2019 organized by Qatar National Library (QNL), under the umbrella of the India-Qatar Year of Culture 2019. The event explored the longstanding historical connections between India and Qatar in particular and the Gulf region in general. The Exhibition, curated by Dr. James Onley of QNL, comprised 10 sections and focused inter alia on the commercial, political and trade ties, linguistic similarities, cuisine, textiles, jewellery, maritime links and dhow-making. The opening ceremony featured talks by Dr Sohair Wastawy, Executive Director, Qatar National Library; H.E. P Kumaran, Ambassador of India to Qatar; Ms. Aisha al-Attiya, Head of Years of Culture at Qatar Museums; Mr. Kees Wieringa, Director, Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum; and Dr. James Onley, Director, Historical Research and Partnerships at QNL.

 

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“DEEPOTSAVA 2019”

(31 OCTOBER 2019, HOTEL INTER-CONTINENTAL DOHA)

(PARTNER ORGANISATION: NORTH INDIAN ASSOCIATION)

 

This event was organised by the North Indian Association, a prominent Indian community organisation in Qatar, in partnership with the Embassy of India. The key elements of the performance included :


Incredible Mallakhamb: Mallakhamb, a traditional Indian sport, in which gymnasts perform feats and strike poses in concert with a vertical wooden pole or rope. The visiting troupe “Anoop Thakur & Group” captivated the audience with their performance on Mallakhamb.


Illuminati dance performance: Kartikeya & Group, of the reality TV Show “India’s Got Talent” fame, enacted a creative and unique presentation of Indian festivals titled “Illuminati”, in which a group of artists created an alternative visual reality through the amalgamation of dance and technology.


Fusion on Feet - Flamenco & Kathak: A “Flamenco-Kathak” duet was enacted by two renowned performers - Kathak exponent Aditi Bhagwat and Flamenco Artist Kunal Om, accompanied by percussion player Aditya. The performance was a creative blend of two dance disciplines in their pure and collaborative form, seamlessly overlapping, creating rhythmic patterns & nuances unique to the two dance forms.

 

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TREE PLANTING EVENT

(2 DECEMBER 2019, OXYGEN PARK)

(PARTNER ORGANISATIONS: QURANIC BOTANIC GARDEN, QATAR FOUNDATION)

The Quranic Botanic Garden(QBG) & Qatar Foundation, in partnership with the Embassy of India, organized a tree-planting ceremony at Oxygen park. The event was held as part of QBG’s Ghars tree-planting campaign, aimed at cultivating an impressive 2022 trees by 2022 FIFA World Cup, and targets highlighting the importance of environmental conservation in Qatar, while encouraging cross-cultural engagement. The tree plantation ceremony was preceded by a brief cultural performance by students of Birla Public School.

 

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“TRADITION, CRAFT AND SUSTAINABILITY: A PATH TO TIMELESS BEAUTY”

(11-13 DECEMBER 2019, MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC ART)

(PARTNER ORGANISATION: MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC ART)

 

A three-day Exhibition and Symposium on sustainable Indian fashion was held at prestigious Museum of Islamic Art (MIA). This new initiative, presented by Qatar Museums (QM) and Caravane Earth, focused on sustainability, heritage, and traditional craftsmanship. The event was attended by Qatar Museum’s Years of Culture Head Ms. Aisha Al-Attiya and Ms. Marielou Phillips of Caravane Earth. A carefully-curated selection of contemporary Indian fashion and textiles by some renowned artisans working for well-known designers from India, including P.L. Bhanumurthy for Vimor Foundation, Renuka Jalan for Chola, Taslim for Ode to Odd, Moideen Hizqeel for 11.11, Dinesh Vankar for Injiri, Taj Mohamed for Urvashi Kaur, and Irshad Annad for Khanijo were on display.


The event also included a Symposium featuring notable speakers from the fashion industry, sustainability activists, and cultural institutions from India and Qatar, along with a film screening by Doha Film Institute. The panel discussion, moderated by sustainability activist and former Vogue India editor-at-large Bandana Tewari, put a spotlight on themes such as the history of Abaya and traditional Qatari wear, building a sustainable global brand, and the textile heritage of Qatar and India.

 

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“JAIPUR LITERATURE FESTIVAL”

(12-14 DECEMBER 2019, QATAR NATIONAL LIBRARY)

(PARTNER ORGANISATION: QATAR NATIONAL LIBRARY)

 

For the first time in Qatar, the overseas edition of the iconic Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) was held in Doha (12-14 December 2019). The event was hosted by the Qatar National Library (QNL) in conjunction with Team Work Arts, and sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.


The inauguration was attended by H.E. Sheikha Hind Bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice-Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation. The 3-day event attracted thousands of literature fans from various communities in Qatar. It brought together Qatar’s literary community, literature enthusiasts and aspiring writers closer to their favourite authors and artists. Attendees were treated to poetry readings, interviews, panel discussions and musical performances celebrating South Asian literature and culture, while creative masters such as Musharraf Ali Farooqi and Kim Pereira presented storytelling and theatre workshops. JLF Doha also featured a number of other activities including William Dalrymple’s 'History of the East India Company' and an evening with the legendary Indian actress Sharmila Tagore. A theater workshop, ‘Shakespeare in Movement,’ presented by actor and playwright Kim Pereira, immersed participants in a performance of Shakespeare’s verse and prose.


The second day featured an address by H.E. Dr. Hamad Bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, Adviser to HH the Emir of Qatar on Cultural Affairs, highlighting the significance of the festival to the cultural diversity of Qatar. There was a musical rendition by Barnali Chattopadhyay and Debjit Patitundi. Award-winning Qatari writer and poet Kaltam Jabor M Al Kuwari participated in a multi-vocal reading of poetry in which different languages and styles converged in a joyous celebration as six poets read from their work. JLF Doha closed with a riveting session between Shobhaa De (Indian novelist, columnist, screenwriter and political commentator) and Sanjoy K. Roy, MD of Teamwork Arts. The evening concluded with musical notes by desert master Kutle Khan.

 

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“MUGHAL-E-AZAM” - THE PLAY

(19-20 DECEMBER 2019, QATAR NATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE)

(PARTNER ORGANISATIONS: Q-TICKETS & SHAPOORJI PALONJI)

 

The grandeur of Mughal Emperor Akbar’s palace was brought to the audience in Qatar by a galaxy of talented stage artists in the form of a theatre performance “Mughal-E-Azam”. The engaging story and the technical sophistication, coupled with catchy and crisp dialogues and live songs maintaining the sumptuousness and majesty of the original 1960 film, kept the audience spellbound. The Broadway-style musical stage play was enacted by a 100-strong troupe from India, directed by Mr. Feroz Abbas Khan.


The performance was a fitting finale to the year-long celebrations of the India-Qatar Year of Culture-2019.

 

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JANUARY 2020

“SUR TARANG”

(3 JANUARY 2020, DPS MIS SCHOOL AUDITORIUM)

(PARTNER ORGANISATION: BANGIYA PARISHAD)

 

The Embassy, in partnership with Bangiya Parishad Qatar, a prominent community organisation, held “Sur-Tarang” on 3rd January 2020 at the auditorium of DPS-MIS. The event featured an array of classical contemporary dance performances and melodious classic and semi-classical vocal performances.

Ms. Dona Ganguly and her troupe presented a series of exciting dance performances. Ms. Dona was groomed in Odissi classical dance under the tutelage of Sri Kelu Charan Mahapatra and learnt the intricacies of Odissi dance from the renowned danseuse Srimati Amala Shankar(wife of Uday Shankar) at a very tender age.

Mr. Sumit Misra, a young vocalist in his twenties, mesmerized the audience with his melodious voice. Sumit learnt classical music under the gurukul tradition and has performed at a number of concerts at national & international levels.

 

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“EKTASHIF – AN EXHIBITION”

(15 JANUARY 2020, MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC ART)

(PARTNER ORGANISATION: MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC ART)

 

The Museum of Islamic Art hosted the opening of “Ektashif – An Exhibition” on 15 January, 2020, which brought together seven Qatari artists and reflected their experiences after their 10-day trip to Delhi, Agra and Jaipur in India in 2019, as part of India-Qatar Year of Culture – 2019.

The art exhibition showcased the works of the following artists:

-Abeer Al Kuwari

-Eman Al Saad

-Haifa Al Khuzai

-Jameela Al Ansari

Maryam Al Sada

-Maryam Al Majed

Shaikha Al Kuwari

The artists, during their visit to India, also attended daily workshop sessions where they discovered the intricate traditional arts of India including marble inlay (parchin kari), block printing, Jewellery making, carpet weaving and more. They returned from India fascinated by the richness and diversity of Indian culture.

 

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“A PASSAGE TO INDIA”

(16-17 JANUARY 2020, MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC ART PARK)

(PARTNER ORGANISATIONS: MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC ART & INDIAN CULTURAL CENTRE)

“A Passage to India – 2020", showcasing the diversity of Indian culture, was inaugurated by the Ambassador of India H.E. Mr. P. Kumaran, on 16 January 2020 at the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) Park.

This event was the concluding event of the India-Qatar Year of Culture 2019 and was organized by the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC), under the aegis of the Embassy of India, in partnership with the Museum of Islamic Art.

Various Indian community organisations associated with the ICC showcased unique handicrafts items, clothes and Jewellery. Lip-smacking Indian culinary delicacies were also on offer for food lovers. Indian classical and folk dances were continuously performed on-stage for the entire duration of the festival. The event attracted more than 6000 visitors.

 

Please click here for more photographs of the event.

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