Glimpse of Andhra Pradesh culture enthralls audience

Wednesday saw the Indian community turn out for the Andhra Pradesh (AP) cultural program, which highlighted the vast array of cultural icons associated with the area and included musical and dramatic performances at the Indian International School Jeddah. More than 3,000 people witnessed an evening full of cultural activities presented by local artists.
Consul General of India Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, was the Chief Guest and Mohammed Alungal, CEO of Al-Abeer Medical Group, was Guest of Honor, for the evening. “This festival is to highlight the cultures and traditions of AP. Indian has different linguistic regions, where they have different music, food, and habitat, dances etc,” said Kidwai. “Hyderabad culture and tradition is unique and different from the other regions of India, Hyderabad has its special links and connection with Saudi Arabia because of the Nizam of Hyderabad, the services of the people of this region are unforgettable and it has different colors which will be displayed tonight,” he said.
“India from the top seems one country or gives a picture of one culture, so through this festival we will give exposure to all our regions and people. It would be a showcase of our country’s ultimate unity within the huge diversity of India and will also give an opportunity to enhance the relationship between two friendly countries, Saudi Arabia and India,” he said.
The program started with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Qari Abdul Basit.
Hasan Bayazid from the United AP Forum gave a talk about AP, especially Hyderabad Deccan.
The Hyderabadi marriage, a piece performed by students of the IISJ, was the highlight of the evening. It was a marriage ceremony with a social message for making marriages simple and, without dowry. The presentation was applauded and received a standing ovation. The program was prepared by Ishrat Un Nisa and Asfia Hussani teachers of IISJ.
There were numerous other musical performances and speeches on Indian culture throughout the evening.
Mishra of Indian idol will perform at the closing ceremony on 25th Ankita.
"India Forum has always taken the lead in giving the best to help the community and this is a step in the direction to see if we can bring some smiles," said A.G. Danish, President India Forum.