LuLu Hypermarket launched yesterday the ‘India Fest 2021’ at its Al Gharafa branch to promote Indian cuisine and fashion.
The event, which will run until January 31, also commemorates the 72nd Indian Republic Day to be celebrated tomorrow (January 26).
‘India Fest 2021’, which was inaugurated by Indian ambassador Dr Deepak Mittal in the presence of Dr Mohamed Althaf, director of LuLu Group, highlights a wide range of food and spices, authentic dishes, and ethnic clothing. The event was also attended by officials from Qatar Chamber, representatives from different ministries, banks, and Indian community organisations.
As a major retailer with deep roots in India, LuLu Group has been conducting ‘India Fest’ for the last two decades on the sidelines of the Indian Republic Day to highlight the unique quality and richness of Indian food products and to disseminate the culture and heritage of India, while promoting the spirit of unity and diversity.
The festival, which celebrates the rich cultural diversity, heritage, tradition, food, food habits, and the versatility of India, was organised in co-operation with the Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI), Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), and the Indian Silk Export Promotion Council.
“LuLu Group has been at the forefront of organising such annual events like this “India Fest 2021’, and its timing has never been more significant because India will be celebrating its 72nd Republic Day this coming Tuesday,” Mittal said during his welcome speech.
“We are looking forward to this event, which brings together Indian cuisine and fashion closer to the hearts and minds of the people in Qatar. As they say ‘the way to somebody’s heart is through one’s stomach’, so I believe the cuisine at the food fest is the way to the hearts and minds of the people, and connects both the people of India and Qatar,” he added.
LuLu has flown in more than 10,000 products from different categories, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, packaged food products, kitchen essentials, and traditional clothing like sarees and churidars.
Moreover, LuLu has highlighted a huge range of fresh hot foods being prepared in the store for the entire promotion – from biryanis to curries, popular street foods, traditional sweets, and many other delicacies.
“Every January, we celebrate our Republic Day, and we generally try to promote Indian goods at this period. While Indian products are very popular among citizens and residents in Qatar, what we are trying to do besides this festival is to promote some of the innovations from India.
“For example, we have the largest Indian organic range, so mostly these products are certified US organic items, such as fruits and vegetables. Also, we are promoting fast-moving consumer goods from major international brands that are made in India. The festival is celebrated throughout the GCC, and in collaboration with the different government agencies from India,” Althaf said.
As a leading retailer with well-knit global supply networks, including its own food processing plants and sourcing offices in India, LuLu has made advancements in introducing a new range of products, featuring organic, low-fat, gluten-free, and many more diet-based healthier food options that are gaining demand and trending among the health-conscious shoppers across the world.
During the opening ceremony, a fusion of traditional art forms, including Bengali, Rajasthani, Kathak, and Odissi were among the featured activities. Another major highlight was the inauguration of the Indian silk and ethnic wear promotion titled ‘Indian Silk and Ethnic Wear Festival 2021’ at the Saree Section by the ambassador’s wife. Indian Silk is one of the major categories of India’s exports worldwide. Fair Exports India, an export distribution centre of LuLu Group, was the winner of the ‘Best Exporter Award’ for Indian silk sarees and garments by the Indian Silk Export Promotion Council since 1996, including the current year. Also, a new variant of the reusable ‘Jute’ bag was launched by Mittal during the inaugural ceremony.
LuLu outlets also launched the ‘Buy 2 Get 1 Free’ promotion, which will run until January 29. It includes almost all Indian and international brands of
men’s wear, ladies’ wear, churidars, sarees, children’s wear, footwear, and ladies bags. Leading Indian brands, including other brands like Louis Philippe, Arrow, Van Heusen, Allen Solly, Peter England, Sunnex, Killer, Sin, Sero, Oxemberg, Hush Puppies, and Liberty are also on display.
The previous editions of the festival were very well-accepted by the local and expatriate communities. LuLu outlets have always been making sustained efforts to ensure uninterrupted supply of global products at the best rates. With the excellent combination of high-quality offerings and organised logistics system, LuLu remains to be the favourite shopping destination in the region.
Indian ambassador Dr Deepak Mittal leads the ribbon-cutting ceremony in the presence of Dr Mohamed Althaf, director of LuLu Group, and other dignitaries during the launch of ‘India Fest 2021’ at LuLu Hypermarket, Al Gharafa yesterday.
