Indian Council Cultural Troupes to Visit Nigeria

Eromosele Abiodun

As part of its effort to promote Indian culture and enhance relations with Nigeria, the Indian Council for Cultural Relations has concluded arrangements for its cultural troupes to visit Nigeria.

The event is in collaboration with Indian High Commission, Nigeria and Indian Cultural Association.

The group known as Kathak Dancers visits countries around the world yearly to promote Indian culture.

This year’s edition will be held on January 28, 2018 at Muscon Centre Lagos.

Speaking on the development, President, Indian Cultural Association, Sanjay Jain, noted: “Kathak is one of the major forms of Indian classical dance. The origin of Kathak is traditionally attributed to the travelling bards of ancient northern India known as Kathakars or storytellers. The term Kathak is derived from the Vedic Sanskrit word Katha which means “story”, and Kathaka which means “he who tells a story”, or “to do with stories.”

Wandering Kathakas communicated stories from the great epics and ancient mythology through dance, songs and music in a manner similar to early Greek theatre.

“The group consists of six members led by Ms. Surabhi Singh. Surbhi Singh is a very famous and popular Kathak dancer and have presented over 5,000 performances in India and all over the world. Her famous performances include – Aaj Ki Draupadi, Sundarkand Kathak Dance Ballet, Madhushala Dance Ballet, Devanand Night Dance Ballet etc.”

He said the current Indian High Commissioner, Mr. Shri B.N. Reddy is very active on promoting culture in Nigeria in spite of his busy schedule on his other official duties.

“The show has been made possible because of his pursuance. Indian Cultural Association is also actively involved in undertaking charities and charitable projects for the needy Nigerians. It also organises cultural events for promoting the culture between the two countries. This Dance Performance is one of the events in this line,” he said.