Delhi International Arts Festival: Where India meets the world
The 10th edition of the annual Delhi International Arts Festival is set to begin in the Capital and boasts of multiple global performances.
Culturally enlightened Delhiites must block their evenings for the coming 15 days. Inspired by the concept of Vasudeva Kutumbakam (World is one family), the 10th edition of Delhi International Arts Festival (DIAF) will begin at Purana Qila, this Sunday.
A culmination of different forms of art, the festival will have dance performances, musical recitals, film festivals, book and poetry reading sessions, dance theatres, and much more.
The list of participants include performers from India, Italy, China, Hungary, Venezuela, Spain, Turkey, Egypt, Norway, Taiwan, New Zealand, Kyrgyzstan, Morocco, France, Mexico, Bangladesh, Iran, Germany, Portugal, UK, Belgium, South Africa and Israel. “This year, many international and Indian artists are premiering their new productions in DIAF. The Beijing Contemporary Dance theatre is having their international premiere here. Even the Italian Flag Wavers — the historical group is also coming to India for the first time to perform. Indian artists from Ahmedabad and Kolkata are also performing their new shows here as they feel that DIAF will give them an international exposure,” says Pratibha Prahlad, festival director.
Siska Tamas, the drummer of PalástiSiska, the Jazz duo from Hungary is thrilled to perform at the festival, and says, “We will perform Jazz and Flamenco. We are very happy to perform here. I have also heard Indian music here and love its richness.”
This year the festival will provides a platform to differently-abled artists too. Prahlad adds, “There is also an educational tour to national archives for 15 school and college students. The idea is to inculcate the love for arts at a young age, so that people become refined and understand its nuances. Through this understanding comes acceptance and a feeling of brotherhood, which is the idea behind the theme of the festival — where India meets the world.”
After a number of performances across the city, the closing ceremony at Nehru Park, will pay tribute to India’s chairmanship to BRICS. There will be a Russian ballet performance that will mark the end of the festival this year.
Must Watch Performances:
Opening Gala at Purana Qila, 6pm on 12 Nov
Children’s Film Festival at National Museum, 11.30am, Nov 16 to 18
Global Film Festival at Marwah Studios FC 14/15, Film City, 10am to 6pm, Nov 17 to 19
Literary Forum: Instituto of Cervantes, Hanuman Road, Connaught Place, 7 pm, Nov 24
Closing Gala: Celebrating India’s Chairmanship of BRICS, Nehru Park, Chanakyapuri, 6pm, Nov 25
