DRMumbai: Al Janadria, the national cultural festival of Saudi Arabia that has India as the ‘Guest of Honour’, this year was inaugurated by Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. The festival, which marked its 32nd edition in 2018, was launched in 1985 under the patronage of the ruling monarch. This year too King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud is the patron of the festival, the biggest cultural gala of the Gulf that brings to life the culture and heritage of the oil-rich desert kingdom. Every year the country nominates a ‘Guest of Honour’ at its festival. The selected country gets to present different facets of its culture, business opportunities and scientific, technological, medical and military advancements.
The invitation to India for this prestigious festival is a testament to the growing relationship between Saudi Arabia and India. Sushma Swaraj, who is leading a large delegation that includes Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh, will be accompanied by members of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), who are the Industry and Execution partner for the Indian Pavilion at the festival. From the rich tapestry of colours, aroma of delicacies, reverberating sound of music to insightful intellectual debates, the two-week long festival has something in store for all.
Organised annually by the Saudi National Guard, the festival highlights Saudi Arabia’s Islamic identity, display its national heritage and help preserve it for posterity. Apart from educating its own citizens on its culture, Al Janadria also aims to acquaint its people with the cultures of other countries. The India Pavilion will provide glimpses of traditional and modern India. There will be displays and presentations by ministries and departments such as Indian Ordnance Factories Board, Indian Space Research Organisation, Ministry of AYUSH, India Tourism Board, Ministries of Shipping, Textiles and Food Processing Industries, Handicrafts Promotion Council, Skill Development, Digital India, and Make in India, among others.
On the traditional front, the pavilion will represent India’s socio-cultural heritage, folklore, traditional costumes, Indian perfumes, bridal costumes, artefacts, calligraphy and food. The festival features a variety of activities, including a camel race, horse race, sports, dance, arts, history, falconry, and traditional arts and crafts. This year, the festival will witness a display of varied Indian cultural performances such as Kathakali, Kalariyaptu, Kathak, Manipuri, Chhau, Bangra, Bollywood, Gujarati and Rajasthani. Yoga performances have also been arranged. Various Indian companies like L&T, Tata Motors, Lulu Group, TCIL, Al Abeer Medical Group, ITL Group, Jet Airways, Shapoorji Pallonji, Virat, Aster Medcity, KRBL Rice, Toshi Electronic etc are putting up their stalls at the Indian Pavilion. The festival is expected to draw millions of visitors from Saudi Arabia and abroad.
