Eswatini troupe leads nation’s parade in India

MBABANE – Eswatini’s cultural team led the nation’s parade in this year’s 36th edition of the Surajkund International Crafts Mela held in India.

The 0ela is organised by the 6ura jNund 0ela $uthority and +aryana Tourism in collaboration with 8n ion 0inistries of Tourism, textiles, culture and external affairs. This is a uniTue event which gives nations the opportunity to come together and showcase their culture to each other.

$t least countries and all the 6tates of ,ndia are participating in this year¶s 0ela. 6ome of these countries include 8ganda, 6udan, 1iger, 1igeria, Tan]ania, =ambia as well as =imbabwe, to name and a few. Eswatini Cultural troupe left the country for ,ndia last weeN Thursday ()ebruary ) to attend the 0ela. They will spend days in all in ,ndia as this big event is set to last until )ebruary . The troupe is said to be turning heads in this big event while just in the first phase of the event.

Event

This was revealed by Eswatini 1ational Council of $rts and Cul ture Chief Executive Officer (CEO) 6tanley 'lamini, who is with the local troupe in ,ndia. 'lamini said the team had been turning heads since the first day they set their foot in this big event. ³Our team was able to receive a standing ovation during the first day of this event and that is very humbling. 6econdly, the team was further asNed to lead the nation parade which tooN place yes terday. This parade featured other recognised nations such as 1igeria, =ambia, =imbabwe and 1iger,´ 'lamini said.

'uring the parade, Eswatini Cul tural team was followed by 8ganda, as number two and 6udan as number three. 8ganda was represented by six members while 6udan had eight people representing their country. Overall, the parade was composed of representatives from all the countries that attended the crafts 0ela.

Recognition

'lamini went on to add that the team also continued to get the rec ognition during the event through their handcrafts that is being dis played at the event. ³The troupe is causing traffic when performing in any of the stages set up for this event. This is not only on the stage but also when they are just walNing around, it appears that the people here really admire our culture. :e are also pleased to announce that our stall, where we get to display some of the handcrafts, is always busy and extremely crowded for many hours. These are the things that we liNe to see happening for our culture, the love from these people is humbling,´ 'lamini said.

The local cultural team which is in ,ndia consists of members. $mong these members, there are cultural dancers, five handcrafters as well as *ospel artist /inda 'lamini, who is expected to perform there. 'uring the 0ela, /inda rubbed shoulders with the ,ndian 3rime 0inister 1arendra 'amodardas 0odi.

The 0ela is set to continue for the remaining days, courtesy of the collaboration of 6urajNund 0ela $uthority and +aryana Tourism in collaboration with 8nion 0inistries of Tourism, textiles, culture and external affairs.

Eswatini cultural team looking lavish in their traditional attire while posing with Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture CEO Stanley Dlamini (L).

Local Gospel musician posing with India Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

L - R: Sikhetsiso Hlongwane, Simphiwe Nkonyane, Nonhlanhla Dlamini, Takangawane Dlamini and Tenele Sihlongonyane. These are some of the cultural dancers present in India. (R) Didumbutfo Matsebula captured with the local cultural team, upon making entrance at the crafts Mela.

Some members of Eswatini cultural team posing with Indians during the Surajkund International Crafts Mela, held in Faridabad.