UAE-India Fest begins in Abu Dhabi
Emirati and Indian dignitaries attend inauguration
wide variety of art, entertainment and cultural programmes that showcased India’s rich diversity and Emirati heritage.
At the official inaugural ceremony, Emirati and Indian dignitaries highlighted the new impetus in UAE-India relations. They praised the festival as a venue for cultural interaction between Indian and Emirati communities.
Pavan Kumar Rai, Charge d’ Affaires at the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi who was the chief guest at the inaugural session, commended the ISC for organising the annual festival regularly and renaming it UAE-India Fest to highlight the significance of Shaikh Mohammad’s India visit. He congratulated the ISC for its golden jubilee this year and winning the Pravasi Bharathiya Samman, a prestigious award from the Government of India.
A troupe from the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR) in India gave a thrilling martial arts performance in two separate sessions. Sarod musical programme by ICCR artists and an instrument show by Arshhia were well-received by the audience. A folk performance named ‘Payyannur Kolkkali’ from northern Kerala also attracted the attention of visitors. Disc jockeys, dancers, magicians and singers enthralled the audience. A Tanoura dance performance gave the Arab flavour to the cultural programme.
Indian and Emirati cuisines satiated the taste buds of food lovers. Traditional Arab sweets made by a group of Arab women at the event had many takers.
The festival will end tomorrow night. Today and tomorrow, the doors will be opened from 4 to 11.30pm.