New Delhi, October 21, 2015: The 9th edition of Delhi International Arts Festival commenced with a grand opening ceremony at Purana Quila.
Inaugurated by Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Hon’ble Minister of State, Ministry of Tourism & Culture,Hon. Khaled El Bakly, Ambassador of Egypt to India and Ms Prathibha Prahlad, distinguished Bharatnatyam dancer and founder director, DIAF, the opening ceremony witnessed a slew of enchanting dance and cultural performances by national and international artists. Other eminent personalities spotted at the event were Smt Maneka Gandhi, Union Minster of Women and Child Development; BJP Member of Parliament, Meenakshi Lekhi, Ambassador of the Czech Republic and Ambassador of Taiwan.
The evening began with a rare treat to the eyes with the multi-style classical dance production, ‘Vande Mataram’ – directed by Ms Prathibha Prahlad, distinguished Bharatnatyam dancer and founder director, DIAF. The dance performance was a tribute to divine mother and motherland. The dance portrayed the nine facets of Goddess Durga, bringing in the nine classical dance forms. The performance ended with a rendition of Vande Mataram wherein, Ms. Prahlad fused in the regional flavour.
This was followed by the performance of Taiwan Bamboo Orchestra, led by Dr. Wu Shin-Yin from Taiwan. It is the only professional orchestra in Taiwan that employs musical instruments made of bamboo – an eco-orchestra. This orchestra was also used for the music of Hollywood blockbuster Mission Impossible II. Their performance was innovative and full of energy. The Bamboo Symphony, an Indian Folklore Fusion led by Unnikrishnan Pakkanar from Kerela performed thereafter.
The performances were followed by SOOF Ensemble comprising of musicians from Africa, the Middle East and Israel. The concluding performance was by Baniswaif Group with Whirling Devish and Traditional Dances from Egypt.
“We are extremely happy to bring the 9th edition of DIAF to the national capital, which like no other event brings the world culture to our shores and also creates greater respect for our extraordinary cultural heritage among the global audience. I am positive by the end of festival, there would be greater appreciation for the kind of harmony and joy that can be created through art & cultural performances,” said Ms Prahlad.
Fortnight long DIAF 2015 will present a rich milieu of dance, music, theatre and films from various countries at different venues across the national capital. DIAF, which is now recognised as India’s signature arts and cultural festival will also provide a significant platform for cultural diplomacy, projecting India as a cultural powerhouse and enhancing diplomatic relations with other countries.
The festival this year, would also have an International segment with a Look East segment with performances from China, Taiwan, Indonesia and Singapore; Look West segment with performances from the USA, Israel, Czech Republic, Spain, Mexico, Portugal, France and the United Kingdom, Central Asia with music and dance from Kyrgyzstan and Russia and West Asia would include performances from Jordan.
Delhi International Arts Festival, 2015 would also feature “Welcome Africa” and “Africa in India”, with performances from African countries like Egypt, Ghana, Ethiopia, Zambia, Nigeria, Congo, Uganda and Kenya, along with the rich spread of Indian classical Dance Festival, Classical Music Festival, Folk Dance and Music events, World Music, Bands, Percussion & Choral Music Festival, Theatre Festival, Film Festival, Children’s Film Festival and World Arts Festival.
DIAF was conceptualized by Ms Prathibha Prahlad, the Founder Festival Director,with the aim to promote India as a cultural powerhouse, to bring together different cultures and performances from around the world on a common platform and to promote better relations with other countries through soft power engagement.
Corporate Comm India(CCI Newswire)
