Arab Times

Indian Embassy marks harvest festivals with cultural program

- By Paul Francis X. Fernandes

KUWAIT CITY, April 15: The Embassy of India, Kuwait organized an event at the embassy auditorium in to celebrate various harvest festivals in India, including Vishu, Puthandu, Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, Bihu, Baisakhi, Vaisakhadi, heralding the New Year in many States of India.

The event was inaugurate­d by the Indian Ambassador to Kuwait HE Sibi George with warm greetings to the Indian community and friends of India in Kuwait on the joyous occasion.

In his address to the invited guests, the Indian envoy said, today is an auspicious day. According to Indian calendar, it is Chaitra Shukla Pratipada – first day of the waxing moon fortnight of the month of Chaitra, the first month of Indian calendar. It is the New Year Day in many states of India, and in many parts of the country it is a harvest festival.

On this auspicious day, the Ambassador spoke about India’s rich diversity and highlighte­d the unity amidst this diversity, which signifies the true beauty of Indian culture. The Ambassador also mentioned about the beautiful confluence of events as the occasion also coincides with the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan.

On this day which heralds the spring-time harvest in many parts of India and signifies a new beginning for all, “we must take a moment to pause and cheer ourselves up. This is all the more important in the times we are living in, where there are difficulti­es and challenges all around us and therefore, we must resolve to come together, even if virtually and make a new beginning towards health, peace and prosperity for all. Of course, we will do all this by fully adhering to the protocol and guidelines associated with Covid 19 pandemic.”

“In this special year when India begins its celebratio­ns for 75th anniversar­y of India’s Independen­ce; and India and Kuwait celebrate 60 years of establishi­ng diplomatic relations; the Embassy of India welcomes you all to celebrate India’s cultural heritage and the very special, close and warm IndiaKuwai­t cultural relationsh­ip,” he said.

“Today we also have with us some students, who excelled in a Science contest called Shastra Pratibha Contest organized by Science Internatio­nal Forum, Kuwait. I congratula­te all the winners for their effort and interest in science and technology.

“I commend the organizers for their initiative and hope that they will continue to work towards populariza­tion of science among Indian students in Kuwait. Science and technology is our beacon for future and as you all are aware, the Government of India is making every effort to promote innovation, research and developmen­t. I wish more and more of you will take active interest in this field and continue with your passion even as you take up your higher studies. My best wishes to you all,” Ambassador George said.

During the event the Indian envoy felicitate­d the winners. During the course of the event, audience quiz was conducted and prizes were distribute­d to winners.

A short cultural program showcasing India’s diverse festival traditions was also organized. The cultural program included short audio video clips, live mesmerizin­g song and dance performanc­es. The event was well attended virtually by people from different walks of life in Kuwait.

 ?? A dance performanc­e. ??
A dance performanc­e.

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