LuLu Group is organising India Utsav 2023, a 10-day festival being held across all LuLu hypermarkets in Qatar, which is also part of celebrations for India’s 74th Republic Day.
Indian ambassador Dr Deepak Mittal led the inauguration ceremony of India Utsav 2023 recently at LuLu’s Barwa Madinatna outlet in the presence of Sri Lankan ambassador Mohamed Mafaz Mohideen and Dr Mohamed Althaf, director of LuLu Group International, as well as other public and private sector dignitaries.
India Utsav 2023, which is aligned with the Republic Day of India, will largely highlight and promote top-quality Indian food and the country’s diverse culture and heritage. The festival also aims to promote among the local and expatriate communities India’s excellence in innovation and manufacturing.
The ambassador, who was accompanied by his wife Dr Alpna Mittal, underscored in his inaugural speech that India Utsav “is a very unique initiative by LuLu Hypermarket on the eve of India’s 74th Republic Day”.
“The festival is offering a wide variety of food products, including organics, which were imported from different parts of India,” said the ambassador, who congratulated LuLu for organising the festival to introduce “fantastic Indian food items and cuisines in an innovative way to the residents”.
Dr Althaf reiterated that the festivities related to India Utsav 2023 underscore the celebration of India’s 74th Republic Day, saying colourful cultural programmes will be held on a daily basis throughout the festival for two weeks.
“These activities include artistic performances, a film launch and a celebrity cook, among others, to promote LuLu Hypermarket, Barwa Family Housing, Madinatna. Some events will be held in the morning, while cultural activities will be held in the evenings,” Dr Althaf noted.
India Utsav has been an annual celebration by LuLu Group for the past two decades. Not only does it commemorate India’s Republic Day, but it is also a celebration of longstanding Qatar-India trade relations.
The inaugural ceremony was highlighted by a cultural extravaganza, including traditional Panchari Melam, Punjabi/Kathak/Bollywood Fusion dance performances, a magic show, Dastangoi by renowned artiste Fouzia, and a team from Delhi. To complete the Indian cultural experience, trendy high-street fashion and a curated collection of Sarees and Churidars are also available at the festival.
The festival’s inauguration was also highlighted by the presence of dignitaries from Qatari ministries and representatives and officials of Indian associations, Qatar Chamber, banking and retail institutions, and the fast-moving consumer goods sector.
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