Al-Sayed, flanked by ambassador Arora (left) and Kumar, explaining about the `Passage to India' festival. PICTURE: Jayaram.
By Ramesh Mathew/Staff Reporter
The rich cultural diversity, traditions, heritage and history of India will be showcased at the 2nd `Passage to India' festival to be held at Katara Cultural Village's Amphitheater on Thursday and Friday.
The two-day festival, featuring an array of cultural features and activities, is held under the joint patronage of the Katara, Indian embassy and Indian Cultural Centre (ICC).
Announcing this at a meeting chaired by Katara deputy general manager and International Relations head Ahmed al-Sayed, Indian ambassador Sanjiv Arora said the festival would go a long way in further strengthening the deep rooted historic relations between Qatar and India and would also help the country's residents get a better understanding of the diverse cultural traditions of his country.
The ambassador said the relations between India and the Gulf region, in particular Qatar, is dated back to centuries, as proven by historic records and a festival like the `Passage to India' would serve as a bridge to bring the people of two countries more closer than before.
While reiterating that the growing levels of co-operation between the two countries these days are the result of consistent support from the local authorities, the ambassador said the festival to be held later this week is another symbol of the keenness of this country to closely understand the diverse traditions of India.
At the festival, members belonging to several forums affiliated to the ICC will demonstrate their talents in dance, music and other artistic and cultural events. Around 450 artistes are expected for cultural events.
There would be food stalls serving diverse cuisines from different states and regions of India, said the envoy while adding that there would also be counters where Indian costumes and handcrafts will be sold.
One of the highlights of the festival would be the showcasing of a replica of the India Gate, which has a prominent place in the Indian history. Arora said about 25 artisans belonging to Viswa Kala Vedi, affiliated to the ICC, are currently giving finishing touches to the project and it would be displayed at a prominent place of the venue of the celebrations.
While narrating the history of the India Gate, the envoy said it is erected in memory of nearly 60,000 Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives while fighting for the British led forces in the World War 1.
The Indian Republic Day celebrations on January 26 start with the dignitaries paying homage to the soldiers at the `Amar Jawan Jyoti', at the India Gate, he pointed out. It was recorded that close to a million Indian soldiers were deployed for duties during the First World War.
The ambassador also recalled that the first edition of the `Passage to India' held at the Museum of Islamic Art grounds attracted more than 25,000 visitors in November 2012 and similar or greater patronage is expected this year as well.
Speaking earlier, al-Sayed hoped the festival to be organised by the country's Indian community's would go a long way in spreading better awareness about Katara among the residents and visitors.
ICC president Girish Kumar said arrangements have been made with Mowasalat to ferry expatriates staying in far away places to the venue of the event.
Though the gates would be open from 2 pm on Thursday, the inaugural ceremony is scheduled for 6 pm. On Friday the events would be held between 10 am and 10 pm.