The Saudi capital will be filled with the sights, sounds and smells of India for the next week, as it plays host to the first and biggest Indian culture festival called “The Indian Cultural Week.” Indian dance, music, poetry and cuisine will all be showcased at King Fahd Cultural Center and Crown Plaza Hotel in Riyadh from Nov. 3 to Nov. 7, giving Saudis and residents a chance to experience the Indian culture, heritage and delicacies.
“A 60-member troupe will be flown to Riyadh from various parts of India to participate and perform in this five-day cultural fiesta, which will be jointly inaugurated by Minister of Culture and Information Abdul Aziz Khoja and Indian Ambassador Hamid Ali Rao at King Fahad Cultural Center on Saturday,” said Awanish Tiwari, second secretary at the Indian Embassy. Tiwari said the festival is organized by the Indian Embassy and the Indian Council of Cultural Relations in association with the Saudi Ministry of Culture and Information.
“The event will boost cultural ties between the Kingdom and India on the one hand, while it will also showcase the creativity, dynamism and diversity of India,” said Tiwari. He also pointed out that several events will be organized as part of the cultural festival, including Indian folk dances, music programs, an art show, a food fest, as well as a photo and painting exhibition and a panel discussion on the history and heritage of India.
“We hope that Saudis will have a better understanding of the culture of India through this event,” said Tiwari, adding that the Indian cultural delegation will be composed of artists, who will perform folk dance and music from different Indian regions. The Rajasthani folk dance and music troupe will be led by Taj Mohammad Langa, from northwest India, whereas Bhangra folk dance will be led by Kundan Kumar, from north India. Ramesh Kumar will lead the famous Indian folk dance troupe Chhau, from east India.
Kalamandalam Shreekumar from south India will showcase the traditional art of rhythms and melodies during the celebration. Other highlights scheduled during the week include, an exhibition of watercolor paintings and photos by top Indian artists including Kashinath Das, Benoy K. Behl and Abhinav Atris. The theme of the exhibition will be the Indian historical monuments. In addition, a panel discussion on cultural and trading relations between the two countries is to be organized on the sidelines of the festival.
Referring to a planned Urdu poetry recitation session, Surinder Bhagat, an Indian Embassy spokesman, said the mushaira (poetry session) will be incorporated within the cultural festival. Prominent Urdu poets will recite their compositions at the mushaira.
Bhagat said two prominent chefs are also being flown to Riyadh to cook Indian delicacies at the food festival, which will be another major attraction. The food festival, he said, will be held at the Crown Plaza Hotel.
According to Bhagat, the inaugural ceremony will be followed by the performances of the visiting Indian troupes. The closing ceremony will be held at King Fahd Cultural Center on Nov. 7.
Entry to all cultural programs will be free and open for all Saudi nationals and Indian expatriates, depending on the availability of seats at the King Fahd Auditorium. Interested persons of other nationalities are also welcome, Bhagat added.
Festival of Indian culture in Riyadh starting Saturday
