A swirl of colourful saris

After delighting visitors with a spectacular opening event that celebrated the state of Assam, the Festival of India in Thailand continued with a concert by the Raghu Dixit Project, in their colorful sarongs, beads and bangles, and Dixit himself sporting “ghungroos” (dance bells) on his feet. 

The internationally acclaimed singer, with his friendly air and informal tone, had his audience swinging in the open-air concert at CentralWorld. A microbiologist by training, Dixit shifted to music late in his life, and his success story changed the indie music scene in India. He recounted his dreamy career shift to the Bangkok audience, because, as he said, he wanted them all to believe in “hope and luck”. His storytelling asides to the crowd were as important as his songs, since it helped the audience connect with the singer and his eclectic music.

It’s no wonder that Dixit is a much-sought performer for music festivals worldwide. Many of his songs have become top hits on iTunes. The singer also played for Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II at her Diamond Jubilee.

Among the many fans who enjoyed Dixit’s performance was Thai rock singer Ohm of the Cocktail band, who had served as the opening act for Dixit’s show. The two charismatic singers had a chat and said hoped they could do a musical collaboration.

Another festival highlight was the dance production “Sari”, which had a sell-out crowd at the Aksra Theatre. It was brought to the stage by Daksha Sheth, one of the most talked-about dancers in India. In the course of her four decades on stage, she has mastered many dance forms, including classical Kathak, Chau, Kalaripaittu martial arts and the aerial Mallakhamb. She has produced as many as 30 highly creative dance productions, which have won over audiences in more than 30 countries.

Daksha was pleased by the “brilliant” response from the Bangkok-audience. “Sari” had a dazzling range of dance styles, gymnastics and tightrope swinging, as well as arresting music that combined Western andIndian classical rhythms, not to forget the outstanding lighting.

“Sari” depicted the story of the hand-made garment, from its initial conception to its weaving, colouring and final wearing. All these were evoked with grace, energy and sensuality by Daksha’s brilliant dancers. Top academics, businessmen and a representative of the deputy prime minister attended the vibrant dance programme.

The last performance was the lively Rajasthan Josh folk band, which performed to a huge crowd at the Indian Fun Fair on the football grounds of Thammasat University.

Lead singer Chuge Khan and his four-member group in their multi-cultured turbans and ethnic costumes kept the mixed crowd of Thais and Indians enthralled, with their scintillating folk beats and unique instruments like the morchun and algoza.

It was no wonder that the folk band has been invited to play in more than 100 countries. Among the special guests at the performance were the tourism and sport minister and other top bureaucrats and academics.

 

The Festival of India in Thailand continues through May with three events at Chulalongkorn University.

-The art exhibition “Forms of Devotion”, running from April 28 to May 10, will have more than 50 works by 20 Indian artists, selected from 2,000 Indian artworks that have been commissioned for a new wing of the Museum of Sacred Art in Belgium. Museum director Martin Gurvich will attend the opening with curators Sushma Bahl and Archana Sapra. Top Indian artist Satish Gupta will also be present and will do a “live” drawing.

-As the festival is in tribute to HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn for her 60th birthday, there will be an exhibition of her photos opening on May 12. The images are collected from the Princess’ numerous trips to India and cover various areas, including Assam, Rajasthan, Darjeeling, Konarak and Hampi. The Princess will preside over the closing event on May 25.

-Also on May 25, the Princess is to attend a writer’s meeting, which will bring together top Indian authors for the first time in Bangkok. Among those attending will be Vikas Swaroop, whose novel “Q and A” became the Oscar-winning film “Slumdog Millionaire”. He will be interviewed on stage by the celebrity writer-columnist Shobha De.

-For more details, visit www. festivalofindiainthailand.com