Emiratis throng UAE-India Fest
abu dhabi — The second day of the UAE-India Fest on Friday saw the grandeur of the Indian Social and Cultural Centre’s (ISC) extravaganza reach a whole new level.
To start the proceedings, Immortal Raaga band performance, along with other DJs, set the tone for the evening. The martial arts act by Payyanur Arts and fire show left the audience spellbound. Dance performance by actress and classical dancer Lakshmi Gopalaswami was clearly the highlight of the night. And she obliged with more than two appearances. There were more boogie-woogies in offing and jigs focusing on various states of India including the instrument show by artist Sabreesh Prabhaker and sand art works, thoroughly enjoyed by the guests.
The key feature of the events was the mass participation, especially by Emiratis as this was the main objective set by the ISC while hosting this event. There was also participation from prominent Emiratis from government, business and other organisations.
Inspector-General at the Minis- try of Interior Major-General Ahmed Naser Al Raisi said it was a ‘great feeling’ for everyone to see the warm reception His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, received in India.
“I felt very happy and am very proud. We have a new history with many new agreements,” Al Raisi said. Noora Mohammed Al Murry, deputy general counsel, Nawah Energy Company, recounted her cherished visits to India and said she loves India food, “especially butter chicken”.
The inaugural day on Thursday saw sarod musical performance and martial arts by the Indian Council of Cultural Relations. Then there was instrumental show by artist Arshhia and Payyanur Kolkali – a traditional folk art performed in northern part of Kerala.
Tanoura performance added local flavour and there were also local women making traditional Arab sweets. The fest continues today with grand finale set to see a concert by Bollywood playback singer Naresh Iyer and Sharanya Srinivas, along with an array of cultural events catering to all ages.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com