Over 20,000 people to attend UAE-India Fest in Abu Dhabi

Indian Social and Cultural Centre to celebrate Year of Zayed at event in December

More than 20,000 people are expected to attend the UAE-India Fest in Abu Dhabi, a three-day event celebrating cultural and people-to-people ties between the two nations, organisers announced here yesterday.

The Indian Social and Cultural Centre (ISC), the largest Indian community organisation in the capital, is organising the ninth edition of the annual festival from November 22 to 24 on the ISC premises.

“The event will celebrate the diversity of Indian culture, music and food,” said Ramesh Panicker, honorary president of the ISC.

As a run-up to the festival, there will be a live concert by Bollywood melody queen Shreya Ghoshal on November 16.

Indian celebrities

Many other Indian celebrities performing in the festival include percussionist Sivamani, musician and keyboard player Stephen Devassy, bass guitarist Mohini Dey, mandolin player U Rajesh, violinist Elena Thedwall and ghatam player and percussionist Giridhar Uduppa. Bengaluru-based band Param and local bands On the Rocks and Rooh will also enthral audiences.

A blend of Indian and Emirati cultural shows, dance shows by Filipino, Spanish, Russian and Samba artists will perform almost 20 hours extending over the three days.

An award-winning magician Ganesh Kudroli and his Vismaya Magic troupe will perform a magic show.

Additionally, a host of magicians, dancers and drummers will also mesmerise the visitors.

Abu Dhabi City Municipality is the strategic partner of the festival being held under the patronage of the Indian Embassy.