The Embassy of India in Riyadh organized ‘India Day’ in association with the Diplomatic Quarter General Authority on August 17, 2019 at the Cultural Palace, Diplomatic Quarter.
‘India Day’ was part of a 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 the Saudi nationals. The Saudi dignitaries, diplomats, Saudi nationals and members of Indian diaspora attended the event in large numbers. Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, inaugurated the event.
Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Sayeed highlighted the historic people to people contacts between India and Saudi Arabia and mentioned that ‘India Day’ would further enhance the understanding of the Indian cultural diversity among the Saudi nationals. He also thanked the Diplomatic Quarter General Authority for their association and cooperation in organizing this 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 audience across ages. The photo exhibition titled ‘Paradise Unexplored’ comprised photographs from the 8 North-Eastern States of India, under the themes of People, Festivals, Architecture, Natural Beauty and Dances. The photos gave an opportunity for the dignitaries to have a glimpse of the culture, tradition, architecture, lifestyle and wildlife of North-Eastern 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 displayed allured audience to click pictures with the boat in the background.
It was a one-of-a-kind event that reflects the growing strategic relations between India and Saudi Arabia, especially after the historic visit of Honorable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, to the Kingdom in 2016 and the state visit of HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to India in February this year.
