India sparkle in Saudi cultural festival

RIYADH: India is the flavour of the season in Saudi Arabia. People in this desert kingdom cannot stop talking about the spectacular performances of its artists that include dancers, singers and eminent cricket players during the nine-day mela as a part of Global Harmony Initiative of the Ministry of Media at All Suwaidi Park. During the visit to the sprawling Park, Hardnews correspondent found overwhelming response to the event from the multi religious Indian diaspora – the 2.65 million Indian community, a living bridge between the two countries.

Through the event, the Saudi Arabia’s ministry of media wants to show how rapidly the country is changing and demolishing stereotypes as a medieval kingdom impatient with modernity and pluralism. The event seeks to rediscover historical ties between the Indian subcontinent and the Arabian Peninsula that stretch back a millennia. Ancient Indian civilization had significant interactions with the Nile Valley, Mesopotamia, and Dilmun civilizations in the West Asian region. These historical contacts are reflected in shared cultural, architectural, and religious elements. The migration of people for trade. Business and religious pilgrimages as well as the scholarly exchange in medicine, culture, science, and arts, further deepened these connections. For long years, millions of Muslim faithful have been visiting Saudi Arabia as it nestles two cities- Mecca and Medina- for pilgrimage.

This bilateral relationship between India and Saudi Arabia has been rooted in piety, trust, friendship, and mutual benefit. In recent years this relationship has grown across various facets, including societal, cultural, literary, security, foreign policy, political, and economic spheres. The fact that Saudi Arabia is one of the largest producer of crude oil in the world has lent another dimension to this relationship as a an investor of capital as well as a major employer of people from India and other south Asian countries.

Many of those who showed up at the Al Suwaidi park– mostly Indians – who were unsure about they were to watch in this hermit kingdom. Were surprised and mesmerized by the performance of  Bollywood singer, writer and music director Himesh Reshamiya. A young engineer from India, Asad who has completed 10 years in Riyadh, told this writer that he went to the venue with his friends not knowing what to expect at the event. When he heard the songs of Himesh Reshamiya he could not controlling himself from dancing. Asad was grateful to the Saudi government for organising such an event and hoped that more such programs would be organised in future. Similar sentiments were expressed by Tahir Ali who watched the performance of Surabhi Mehra and Samridhi Mishra and said this event made them feel closer to India and more at home.

This correspondent was present in Riyadh when Indian cricket superstar and now screen actor, Sreesanth, visited the park and enthused the performers as well the Indian diaspora present at the park. Sreesanth commented that he was elated and honored to be part of the festivities, and encouraged friendly cricket matches between the two countries, a sport Saudi Arabia is slowly becoming involved in.

The Indian ambassador Dr Suhel Ajaz also appreciated the Ministry of Media, responsible for the Global Harmony Initiative, and recognised that this effort would pave the path for integrated growth that brings together the Saudi population and growing diaspora from different countries.  This Initiative in Saudi Arabia aims to celebrate the diverse cultures and nationalities of residents, showcasing their contributions to the Saudi economy and society. It aims to highlight the cultural integration of different communities, foster understanding and unity, and improve the quality of life for residents in Saudi Arabia.

The excitement of Indians living in Saudi Arabia was palpable amongst the large numbers that thronged Al Suwaidi to attend the performances but also interact with the others from across the world. The spirit of harmony was recognised by performers who were mindful of the heterogenous audience, and the songs and dances addressed this diversity.

These 9 days of festivities that showcase the inclusive and diverse culture of India, along with stage performances also included a bazaar full of shops selling Indian goods and and food stalls from different parts of the country. Needless to say, this created a holistic and immersive experience for all.

The Global Harmony Initiative Program which is part of Vision 2030 of the Government of Saudi Arabia, is an effort to showcase the lives of expats in 11 countries. Besides India, the other countries and their cultures that were chosen for exposition at Al Suwaidi Park included Indonesia, Pakistan, Yemen, Sudan, Jordan, Libya, Syria, Egypt and Lebanon. It was the demonstration of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to display openness and integration with different cultures. The new Saudi Arabia believes that the cultural commonalities are the beginning of stronger ties that can lead to strengthening of economic engagement and deepening of political relations.

(All Photos Credit: Pradeep Kapoor)