By Hassan Cheruppa
Saudi Gazette
JEDDAH – Nearly 200 artists, mostly tiny tots, captivated the audience with their mesmerizing performances showcasing the richness and diversity of Indian arts and culture at the Maha Utsav or mega festival organized recently by the Consulate General of India in association with India Forum. The cultural extravaganza, as part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, marked the celebration of the 75th anniversary of India’s Independence and establishment of diplomatic ties with Saudi Arabia.
Around 600 invitees including several prominent Saudi figures, persons of Indian origin and Indian community members attended the event held at the Boys Section auditorium of International Indian School, Jeddah. Hundreds of viewers from all around the world watched the live streaming of the event.
The distinguished dignitaries, who attended the event included Consul General of India Mohd. Shahid Alam, the chief guest of the evening; President of the Arab Yoga Foundation in Saudi Arabia Padma Shri Nouf Marwai; President of Saudi Indian Business Network (SIBN) Abdullah Al-Qasabi; Batterjee Holding Company Chairman Mohammed Mazen Batterjee; Deputy Consul General and Hajj Consul Y. Sabir; Saudi Gazette Executive Editor Anas Alyusuf, and India Forum President Mir Ferozuddin.
Speaking on the occasion, Alam said: “We are celebrating India’s unique diversity and rich cultural heritage with displaying some glimpses into it in terms of the cultural feast. This is also great occasion of celebrating the centuries-old historic relations and strategic bonds between the two great nations of India and Saudi Arabia.”
The Consul General also handed out mementos to a number of prominent Saudi and Indian personalities in appreciation of their outstanding contributions in promoting Saudi – Indian business ties, cultural bonds and healthcare services. They included Nouf Marwai, Mazen Batterji, Abeer Medical Group President Mohammed Alungal and Jeddah National Hospital Chairman V.P Mohammed Ali. On behalf of Alungal and Mohammed Ali, Abeer Group Vice President Dr. Jemshith Ahmed and JNH Executive Director Dr. Mushkath Mohammed Ali received the mementos respectively.
The Indian community members came to attend the event, adorned in their colorful ethnic dresses. The atmosphere was exhilarating as the beautifully orchestrated performances by over 190 talented performers kept the audience enthralled throughout the audio-visual treat. The cultural extravaganza featured wide variety of dances, songs, fusion of music, as well as classical and folk performances. The audience enjoyed the beautifully choreographed dance performances such as Dandiya, Garba, Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam, as well as folk dances and other art forms from several states, including Telengana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Punjab. Well-known singers Amjed Baig and Asha Sharat made impressive performance with their melodious songs.
