Indian Community Festival concludes amidst fanfare
MUSCAT: Curtains fell on the Indian Community Festival -2017, organised by Indian Social Club Oman, Kerala Wing, held at Amerat Park, on April 29 ending two days of cultural celebrations showcasing more than 250 artists from India and Oman.
This year marked the 14th edition of the festival and being in line with its legacy this year’s event too was adorned by eminent personalities from the socio-cultural realm.
The event was kicked off by a brilliant performance by the school band of Indian School Muscat, lining up more than 30 students comprising a fully fledged orchestra band. It was followed by an exciting traditional Kerala orchestra of performed by one of the best
groups in Oman lead by Tichur Surendran.
However, the show stunners of the event were two groups belonging to different genres, and different styles but generating the same kind of excitement and vibrancy to the listener - Folklore music group Thavam Grama Vedi and Independent fusion band - Pragathi.
While Thavam was a multi award-winning group currently part of the Kerala folklore academy, Pragathi, headed by Dr K. S. Harisankar and State Award Winner Madhusree Narayan, and has been known in the music world as one of the most promising young fusion bands in the county. The scintillating performances by these two highly talented groups captivated the capacity crowd.
Showcasing talents
Indian community festival catering to a pan Indian audience was true to its commitment of displaying talents from all over India with fascinating performances ranging from traditional dances by Odia wing, mesmerising Garbha by Kachchi Wing, as well as unique Bhavai dance performed by Indian School Darsait reflecting the cultural vibrancy of India.
The formal inauguration of the festival was done in a colourful ceremony participated by eminent guests such as multiple national award winning movie director Kamal, Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed Alameri, Strategic Planning Adviser - Ministry of Civil Services, Eranholi Moosa - legendary mappilappatu singer and Vice Chairman, Kerala Folklore Academy, Murugan Theruvoram - Social worker and founder of Theruvoram, an NGO working for the rehabilitation of street children in Kochi, Dr P Muhammed Ali- Mfar group Managing Director, C. M. Sardar - vice chairman, Indian Social Club Oman, Vinod V. T., managing director, Mars International and Badr Al Sama Group of Hospitals, Badr- Marketing manager, Shahi Spices, Shahi Spices representative Abdul Rahman, Saji Abraham- Cultural secretary and observer Indian Social Club Oman, Biby Jacob- managing director, Ananthapuri Restaurant, Wilson V. George, chairman - Board of Directors Indian schools in Oman.