Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Indian embassy in Riyadh, in association with with the Diplomatic Quarter General Authority, organized ‘India Day’ this week at the Cultural Palace, Diplomatic Quarter.

‘India Day’ was part of the series of events organized by the embassy to promote different aspects of Indian cultural diversity and to impress upon the ‘soft power’ of India among Saudis.

Dignitaries, diplomats, Saudi nationals and members of Indian diaspora attended the event in large number.

Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, inaugurated the event.

Speaking on the occasion, the ambassador highlighted the historic people to people contacts between India and Saudi Arabia and mentioned that ‘India Day’ would further enhance the understanding of Indian cultural diversity among Saudi nationals. He also thanked the Diplomatic Quarter General Authority for their association and cooperation in organizing the event.

A wide range of cultural performances ranging from classical dance forms such as Kuchpudi, Kathak, Bharatnatyam to instrumental and carnatic music to martial arts to magic show was organized enthralling the audience across ages.

The photo exhibition titled ‘Paradise Unexplored’ comprised photographs from the eight northeastern states of India, under the themes of people, festivals, architecture, natural beauty and scenes. The photos gave an opportunity to the dignitaries to have a glimpse of the culture, tradition, architecture, lifestyle and wildlife of northeastern India.

The cuisine part had display of authentic and traditional Indian dishes by the local Indian restaurants (LuLu, Saravana Bhavan, Mumtaj Restaurant, Fahad Restaurant, Al Kabeer and Darbar), which added flavor and fervor to the taste buds of the visiting dignitaries and audience. The visiting women had their hands decorated with the Indian henna/mehendi. The traditional Kerala Boat display allured audience to click pictures with the boat in the background.

It was one of the events of its kind and reflects the growing strategic relations between India and Saudi Arabia especially after the historic visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Kingdom in 2016 and the state visit of Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman to India in February this year.