Vice President, Alhaji Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has joined the Indian High Commissioner to Ghana, Birender Singh Yadav and other dignitaries to attend the “Festival of India” in Ghana on January 25.
The festival which was held at the National Theatre in Accra to commemorate 60 years of diplomatic ties between India and Ghana was organised by the India High Commission in collaboration with Ghana’s Ministry of Tourism, and the National Theatre, Ghana.
The audiences of the festival were treated to Indian traditional dance, music, film shows, among others. The Festival of India also showcased multifaceted aspects of India culture in its various colourful forms and has been held in several countries including Australia, Canada, France, Indonesia, and Italy.
In his welcome address, Indian High Commissioner to Ghana, Birender Singh Yadav said: “A festival of India is an important aspect of cultural diplomacy aimed at strengthening bilateral cultural relations. The main focus of the festival is to connect and enhance the perception of India in the minds of people and offer them a glimpse of the flavour and variety of Indian culture”.
Additionally, the festival of India in Ghana titled ‘Maitri’ meaning ‘friendship’ also sought to trace the 60 years of strong of friendship between the Asian country and its West African colleague.
The Festival of India was inaugurated on the eve of 68th Republic Day of India, on 25th January at the National Theatre featured performance of “Samanvay” by LokChhanda Cultural Unit led by Ms Maitreyee Pahari group”.
“Samanvay” is an amalgamation of different Indian Classical and traditional dance forms namely Kathak, Bharatanatyam,Odissi, Manipuri, Chhau and contemporary dance forms.
The group will also perform at respective Centre for National Culture at Takoradi in the Western Region on Saturday, 28, Cape Coast in the Central Region on Sunday, 29 January and in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region on Tuesday, 31 January. All the performances would be at 1900 hours”.
While the Food Festival is being organised in association with the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City from 10-16 February, 2016.
The launch of the festival at the hotel would have Sufi and song recital by Dr Mamata Joshi on 10th February at 1900 hours. The entry for the inaugural event by invitation, Mr Yadav stated.
Dr Joshi will also perform at the National Theatre on 11th February and DPS International, Tema on 12th February.
The Film Festival on the other hand would be held from 24-26 February at India House where three Bollywood films-“3 Idiots”, “Bhaag Milkha Bhaag”, and “Sultan” will be screened, Mr Yadav said.
“The closing ceremony of Festival of India will showcase the dance performance “Saptarang” by Ms Neeru Sabharwal Group at National Theatre, Accra on 11 March at 1900 hours”.
He explained that “Saptarang” is a poetic confluence of seven classical dance forms, namely Mohiniattam and Odissi, stressing: “The presentation depicts an aesthetic beauty of each dance form. It culminates into the universal ones of all the artistic expression and obeisance to Mother Earth with “Vande Mataram”.
He added that the group would also perform at the Centre for National Culture, Koforidua on 12 March and Kumasi 13 March 2017.
Mr Yadav acknowledged the support extended by the Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Ministry of Tourism, National Theatre, Kempinski Hotel, among others.
He therefore urged Ghanaian and Indian nationals to take part in the activities of the various festivals to enable them experience the rich cultural diversity of India.
India-Ghana relations have traditionally been warm and friendly. The strong foundation of their bilateral relations was laid by then Indian leadership and Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah.
The visit of the H.E Pranab Mukherjee, President of India to Ghana from 12-14, 2016 which was the first-ever state visit by an Indian Head of State has helped to further strengthen the bilateral ties between India and Ghana.
India is which accredited as the world’s largest democracy, appreciates the successful conduct of peaceful and transparent elections in Ghana.
Mr Yadav noted: “The smooth transition of power has once again demonstrated Ghana’s impeccable credentials as stable and strong democracy not only in West Africa but the entire African continent”.
By Masahudu Ankiilu, African Eye Report