JEDDAH: India Forum Carnival 2016 was held at the Indian Consulate in Jeddah recently. Syed Shahnawaz Hussain, former federal minister, was the chief guest.

Haj Committee of India Chairman Qaiser Shamim and member Abdul Rasheed Ansari were among the guests. Indian Consul General B.S. Mubarak presided over the event, which was conducted under the guidance of Deputy Consul General and India Forum Director Mohammed Shahid Alam.

The event, attended by more than 3,000 members of the Indian community, featured cultural programs, including musical bands, games for youngsters and personalized stalls.

The event started with the introduction of each stall followed by cultural programs and songs by Mohammed Sikandar Ali, Asha Shaiju and Waseem Mukadam. Folk dances from Kerala (Oppana) were choreographed by Riahana Mohammad.

Fancy dress competition for little angels was one of the highlights of the carnival. Children were dressed up in various regional as well as fancy dresses.

Another attraction was the homemade sweet dish competition. A lot of colorful dishes were displayed for the judges to select the best ones.

The stalls comprised henna designing, face-painting, Indian dresses, handicrafts, handmade dishes, health care, fancy abayas, books, educational consultancy, cosmetics and perfumery, personalized home dishes and snacks. A free medical checkup was also arranged.

India Forum President Aijaz Ahmed Khan extended a warm welcome to the chief guest.

Shahnawaz Hussain said each and every non-resident Indian (NRI) is an ambassador of India. “NRIs, though they are away from India, have been making valuable contribution to the growth and development of our nation,” he said.

Mubarak lauded the efforts of the India Forum management committee members.

Prizes and certificates were distributed to the winners of the fancy dress, homemade sweet dish, and best stall competitions. Contributions of the sponsors and the voluntary services of Asim Zeeshan, Imran Kausar and Amrina Qaiser were appreciated and honored by Zakariya Biladi who presented the vote of thanks.

Asif Daudi, Wasim Mukadam and Ayoob Hakeem conducted the event.

India Forum, the cultural wing of the consulate, was established in early 1980s with the objective of promoting social activities and networking between fellow NRIs.

Aside from Aijaz Ahmed Khan, its president, the forum’s managing committee includes Ayoob Hakeem, general secretary; Mohammed Hyder, program coordinator; K.T. Muneer, treasurer; Zakariya Biladi, Waseem Mukadam, Asimuddin Ansari, Asif Daudi, Dr. Laxman Sockalingam and Kamal Ahmed.

Bobby Manatt is the coordinator from the consulate.