RIYADH, 2 November — The Indian Embassy held its annual bazaar at the weekend in aid of the Indian Workers Fund.
The bazaar, in its third year running, was organized by the Indian ambassador’s wife, Mrs. Sunita Mainee Ahmad. The event comprised an array of colorfully arranged stalls selling clothes, gifts, handicrafts, jewelry and Indian food.
The bazaar proved a success in attracting many visitors including Indian and Saudi families. Children wearing colorful costumes presented several stage performances.
Ambassador Talmiz Ahmad told Arab News that the Indian Workers Fund was set up for the benefit of Indian expatriates in the Kingdom who are disabled or stranded and to support Indian workers’ widows. The fund has various dedicated sponsors such as Shell and Sona Jewelry, he said.
The ambassador explained that the fund was being used to help needy workers with air tickets to India, accommodation, medical expenses and general maintenance. “It is a valuable source that makes a difference to the lives of those who are in need”, he added.
The ambassador said the bazaar also helps to introduce Indian culture to the Kingdom. The bazaar followed a series of events such as the Indian film festival that was attended mainly by Saudi women and the ‘Three Centuries of Moghul and Rajput Costumes’ exhibition held at the National Museum of Riyadh.
Mrs. Ahmad said the bazaar was organized just before Ramadan when the weather is more pleasant and is visited by the Indian community from schools, compounds and different work backgrounds, giving them an opportunity to meet and socialize.
Mrs. Ahmad said she spends the summer in Delhi every year selecting, collecting and purchasing the artifacts sold at the bazaar. Wives of Indian diplomats help her with the displays and organization of the bazaar.