Grand Finale to ‘India by the Nile 2014

The second edition of the annual cultural festival in Egypt, `India by the Nile`, concluded last week after a three week long extravaganza of India’s varied and diverse culture. The event was conducted in Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor and Hurghada and was organised by the Indian embassy in Cairo in partnership with Egypt`s Ministries of Culture and Tourism and the Cairo Opera House.

The fest which was held from April 1 to 19 was based on the theme `Women of Substance`, and recognized the challenges faced by women both in India and Egypt. It was managed by Teamworks Arts, according to an Indian embassy statement issued on Wednesday.

The event had a grand opening with the musical `Bollywood Love Story` at the Cairo Opera House, which had over 35 Indian dancers performing to the music of Indian cinema. Classical dance, an exhibition of saris, the traditional Indian dress for women with free sari draping lessons and a reception at the India House, the residence of the Indian ambassador in Egypt which saw renowned Indian actors and writers like Shabana Azmi and Urvashi Butalia were held.

Literary figures of both India and Egypt interacted in a session titled `Words on Water` in Cairo. The three weeks festival showcased music and arts with an Indian folk music troupe, Rajasthani Josh, performing both in Cairo and Alexandria. Political cartoonist Sudhir Tailang displayed 50 of his works, portraying the daily life in India, at the Egyptian Art Museum in Cairo. According to the Indian embassy, India by the Nile 2014 was the biggest foreign cultural festival in the country since the January 2011 revolution.

Infoeditor