Gurugram, enjoy Oz culture at this fest

In 2012 Delhi-NCR got a taste of Aussie culture through a four-month-long Oz Fest. Cut to 2018, and here’s Australia Fest — a six months long event — that will showcase Australia’s culture. But, it will include not just events themed on art, music and dance as there will also be activities around food, films, literature, and even sports.

Harinder Sidhu, Australian High Commissioner to India, says, “Oz Fest was a major undertaking in 2012. I believe that it is important for Australia to hold such significant programs regularly. We have incorporated learnings from 2012 in developing the Australia Fest program and updating it. We also want to showcase Australian culture in the broadest sense of that word. This is why sport, food and wine are included along with many more traditional aspects such as literature, art and design.”

Over 75 events will be organised as part of this festival, across 20 cities in India. Starting September 18, the fest will be on till March 30, 2019. And these 203 days will have a mind-boggling gamut of events showcasing Australian culture. A glimpse of this can be witnessed on October 25, at the Qutub Minar, with a performance of Bangarra Dance Theatre. You can also check out Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow on November 14, at NCUI Auditorium, which will induce some high intensity laughter by comedians such as Guy Montgomery and Daniel Connell. In addition, this fest will also introduce tennis tournament Australian Open to India and have a tour of Australian Cricket Team.

MasterChef Australia judge Gary Mehigan, who is also the ambassador of the festival, is all set to travel to India for interactive food and beverage demonstrations. He says, “When it comes to food, the people of India must be the most passionate I’ve met, and I know they’re also some of MasterChef Australia’s most loyal fans!”

The component of literature will enable a few popular Australian authors to travel to India as well.

PHOTO: JHUNYBOY BORJA Performers of Bangarra Dance ensemble, Black Ochres, will perform at Qutub Minar, on October 25