The multi-faceted cultural identity of India will be showcased in all its splendour at the first-ever India Festival 2012 being organised by the India Social and Cultural Centre in the capital city from February 2 to 4 at the centre premises.
Bigger and better this year, the festival is one of the largest community events in the UAE and sets the platform for all residents to enjoy the warmth of traditional Indian hospitality through a range of shopping, entertainment and cultural events. The first edition of the festival held last year attracted a record crowd of over 25,000 people, said the organisers.
Three leading cultural troupes comprising 25 artists will regale audiences during India Festival 2012 with a diverse showcase of performances that will appeal to all. Apart from danceforms from the state of Gujarat, Qawwali music and heart-stirring renditions on shehnai will add to the unique cultural aura of India Festival 2012. Ramesh Panicker, honorary president of India Social and Cultural Centre (ISC), told Khaleej Times that the cultural groups are being brought to the UAE for the first-time through the Cultural Wing of the Indian embassy in association with the Indian Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi.
“The participation of the Government of India truly gives the festival a new dimension,” he said. “India Fetival 2012 will be a rare opportunity for the Indian community in the UAE to witness the performances of the artists from India.”
Apart from Indian performers, the embassies of Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Philippines will lend added colour to the festival through cultural performances that reflect the cultural heritage of the countries.
Indian Ambassador to the UAE M. K. Lokesh will inaugurate India Festival 2012 on February 2 at 8pm, which is expected to attract more than 35,000 people, said Panicker. A mega raffle draw will be held as part of the festival with the grand prize of a car and 50 other prizes.
As part of the festival, over 100 stalls will be set up in the India Social and Cultural Centre premises by leading retailers, banks, property exhibitors. A food court with over 30 food stalls will serve Indian and Arabic ethnic delicacies.
“The food court will offer the opportunity for all communities to savour the diversity of Indian cuisine, and is billed to be one of the focal points of India Festival 2012,’ said Panicker.
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