India in all its glories

THE MODERN MEETS the classical in music, art and dance in a bigger-than-ever India Festival beginning today and continuing through May 25 at various places around Bangkok. 

“Thailand is our close friend and neighbour, with whom we share a common maritime boundary, but more importantly, values of long-standing social and cultural interaction,” says Indian Ambassador Harsh Vardhan Shringla, who will formally open the proceedings today at 5.30pm at Chulalongkorn University.

“The timeless message of the Lord Buddha and the common lore of the Ramayana make us kindred in spirit,” he says. “This historical connection between the two countries is the foundation stone on which our strong contemporary relations are taking shape today. People-to-people contacts are central to our relations. The Festival of India is designed to showcase not only the common heritage between India and Thailand, but also the cultural diversity and contemporary art forms of India.”

Diva Sonam Kalra kicks off the festival today with her “Sufi Gospel Project”, which melds traditions in Indian classical and Western music. It is a blend of voices of faith in song and spoken word, with lyrics derived from Indian spiritual texts and Western poetry.

Astonishingly versatile, Sonam has become a familiar presence at prestigious venues and festivals around the world, performed in more than countries in the last year alone. She recently earned the Devi Award for her efforts.

“Assam Evening” at the Grand Millennium Hotel on March 6 will be a dazzling show of beautiful ethnic costumes and dance. The state of Assam will demonstrate its cultural diversity as a mosaic in miniature of the country itself. 

Four talented Assamese clothing designers will present a show of enchanting creations interspersed with performances of classical dance and traditional music. Following the fashion finale, violinist Sunita Bhuyan will close out the evening in style.

Folk band the Raghu Dixit Project will share the stage with a popular Thai group on March 10 at CentralWorld. Dixit’s music is strongly rooted in Indian tradition and culture and yet presented in a modern, global manner. His performances are energetic and interactive, described as “a musical roller-coaster ride”.

Contemporary dancer Daksha Sheth will perform at the Aksra Theatre on March 13. She has wonderful command of a vast array of styles, including Kathak, Mayurbhanj Chhau, the martial art of Kalaripayattu from Kerala, and an aerial technique called Mallakhamb, in which she was a pioneer. 

Her productions are the fruit of various experiments in dance forms. As dancer and choreographer, her strength comes from her love of rhythm, natural flexibility and balance and an instinctive capacity to project a range of emotions, from sheer joy to vibrant power. She aims to capture the vitality and rawness of folk and ritual performing arts, and combine them with the sophistication and precision of the classical forms.

The Daksha Sheth Dance Company has presented its Indian contemporary dances in more than 30 different countries and at 25 international festivals. The group, which includes her Australian composer-husband Devissaro and movie-star daughter Isha Sharvani, will enact their much-acclaimed production “Sari”, which traces the magical mystery and history of the exotic Indian garment.

Thammasat University will host the Indian Fun Fair on March 22, highlighted by Rajasthan Josh with folk musicians from that northwestern state presenting a mesmerising performance on the morchang, bhapang khartaal, double flute, nagara and bamboo flute. Its singers’ vocal styles range from Sufi mysticism and bhajan and to popular folk melodies. The shining colours of Rajasthani culture are sure to delight the soul.

Chulalongkorn University is the setting for the exhibition “Forms of Devotion” from April 27 to May 10. Curator Dr Sushma Bahl has compiled more than 200 works by 100 artists – collages, installations, sculptures, videos and photographs.

The literary programme of this year’s festival 

 brings five top writers for “Words of Water”, also set at Chulalongkorn in May. Diplomat-writer Vikas Swarup’s book “Q&A” was translated into the Oscar-winning film “Slumdog Millionaire”. “Shiva Trilogy” by management guru-turned-writer Amish Tripathi was one of the fastest-selling book series in Indian publishing history. 

Also attending will be noted Indian translator and author Arshia Sattar and well-known spiritual writers Shailendra Gulati and Charu Singh.

 

CULTURE AND TRADITION

The Festival of India in Thailand opens today at Chulalongkorn University and continues through May 25 at various venues. 

Admission to all events is free, but space may be limited, so get there early. 

Find out more at www.Facebook.com/pages/Indian-Embassy-Bangkok/206131599415004.