A Celebration of India’s Cultural Heritage: Pravasi Parichay successfully served as a cultural bridge, fostering unity and pride among Indians in Saudi Arabia by highlighting India’s vast cultural landscape
In a vibrant celebration of India’s rich cultural heritage, the Embassy of India launched the inaugural ‘Pravasi Parichay’ festival in Saudi Arabia, bringing together the Indian diaspora under a shared cultural banner, reported newsonair.gov.in.
Held in partnership with local Indian associations and the Ministry of External Affairs’ Diaspora Engagement Division, the festival showcased over 450 performers representing 14 Indian states.
Each participating state established its own pavilion, immersing visitors in an authentic display of regional arts, cuisine, and traditions. From Punjab’s energetic Bhangra dance to Kerala’s classical Mohiniattam, the festival highlighted the diversity within India’s artistic expressions.
The event reinforced the enduring ties of Indian expatriates to their heritage, while promoting cross-cultural appreciation within the Saudi Arabian community
Notable performances included Rajasthan’s Kalbelia dance, Tamil Nadu’s Parai drumming and Bharatnatyam, and Andhra Pradesh’s dramatic Mahishasur Mardini. Telangana contributed with its tribal Lambada and lively Marfa dance, while Delhi paid homage to India’s military through a heartfelt theatrical performance.
Classical forms like Odisha’s Odissi and Karnataka’s Yakshagana joined hands with folk traditions such as Gujarat’s Garba and Maharashtra’s Lavani, providing a rich tapestry of India’s regional arts. Musical acts spanned Uttar Pradesh’s Qawwali to contemporary rap from Telangana, showcasing both the historical roots and modern evolution of Indian music.
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