Thursday, Dec 05, 2013
Abu Dhabi: The fourth season of India Fest, an annual cultural event in the capital, began with traditional Emirati and Indian dance performances on Thursday evening.
Shaikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Social Development, officially inaugurated the fest in the presence of M.K. Lokesh, the Indian Ambassador to the UAE, and other dignitaries.
Indian Social and Cultural Centre (ISC), the largest social organisation of Indians in the capital, is organising the three-day event, which is expected to attract around 30,000 visitors.
The colourful evening began with a traditional Emirati dance performed by professional Emirati troupe from Sharjah followed by Bhanghra, a colourful folk dance and music performance, from Punjab region of India.
The Indian Ambassador said India Fest is a very important event in the calendar of Indians in Abu Dhabi. The cultural extravaganza enhances the community sentiments among the Indians. He thanked ISC for organising the event every year.
While welcoming the gathering, Joy Thomas John, the president of ISC said the centre was proud to have Shaikh Nahyan to inaugurate the event.
He said they were also privileged to have the ambassador Lokesh to inaugurate the first edition of the Fest in 2010 and continued to be the regular presence in its fourth edition before he leaves the UAE.
As Gulf News reported, Lokesh would be leaving the UAE in December to take up the new job as the Indian ambassador to Switzerland.
India Fest is held in collaboration and the support of the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi. Bhangra, the colourful Indian dance, was performed by an 18-member folk dance troupe from the Indian state of Punjab, arranged by the embassy’s cultural wing.
The event will end on Saturday night. The entry tickets are priced at Dh10 for all the three days, which enable visitors to enter a mega raffle draw for a 2013 model Peugeot 301 car and 25 other prizes.
The roof of the centre has a performing stage, showcasing an India Heritage building being built over the swimming pool, and around 30 food stalls and other game stalls located in the tennis court area.
The cultural shows will present various cultures from other parts of the world with the participation of the Fijian, Indian and Philippine Embassies in Abu Dhabi.
The centre said, as part of its social responsibility initiative, a portion of the event’s proceeds will go towards a deserving charitable organisation in India.
Percussionist Stephen Devassy and his team from India also performed yesterday. Actors Shakti Mohan and Mukthi Mohan will entertain the crowd with their performances on the second day on Friday.
Popular Anchor Raj Kalesh and team will present a magic show that will thrill the crowd, especially children.
A team from South India will grace the festival with folkloric performances, pole dance, and traditional art forms of Karakattom and Kalaripayattu.
By Binsal Abdul Kader Staff Reporter
Gulf News 2013. All rights reserved.
