A festival of India was organized in Kuwait from 17-18 March 2023 by the Embassy of India, Kuwait under the aegis of ministry of culture, government of India. This was the first 'Festival of India' abroad held by the ministry of culture following the COVID-19 pandemic.
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The inaugural event on March 17, 2023 was virtually inaugurated by India's Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture Meenakashi Lekhi. In her remarks, she highlighted the strong historical relationship between India and Kuwait and also appreciated the ongoing cultural exchange between India and Kuwait. She emphasized that the 'Festival of India in Kuwait' will strengthen the vibrant cultural ties between the two countries.
![Audience are seen during the event.](/uploads/imported_images/uploads/2023/03/1-2.jpg)
![Indian Ambassador to Kuwait Dr Adarsh Swaika.](/uploads/imported_images/uploads/2023/03/3.jpg)
![Indian Ambassador to Kuwait Dr Adarsh Swaika lighting the lamp to inaugurate the event.](/uploads/imported_images/uploads/2023/03/5-1.jpg)
The finale event was organized at the Dar Al-Athar Islamiya (DAI), Yarmouk Cultural Centre on March 18, 2023. The event was well attended by Kuwaiti friends and Indian community members. Local media in Kuwait gave a wide coverage to the event.
The highlight of the festival was the performance by renowned Indian cultural troupes sent by the ministry of culture, government of India. The three troupes who performed at the festival were; Qutbi Brothers - Qawwali performance, Hasan Khan and Group - Rajasthani Folk, and the AnirudhVarma Collective - fusion of Indian classical and contemporary music. The troupes presented a picture of India's rich civilization with their performances drawn from diverse regions, cultures and religions of India.
![Cultural events during the 'Festival of India'.](/uploads/imported_images/uploads/2023/03/6-1.jpg)
![Cultural events during the 'Festival of India'.](/uploads/imported_images/uploads/2023/03/7-1.jpg)
![Cultural events during the 'Festival of India'.](/uploads/imported_images/uploads/2023/03/8-2.jpg)
The festival was supported by the ministry of information and culture, government of Kuwait and National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL), the government of Kuwait.
Alongside the cultural performances, the Embassy of India, Kuwait organized 'Incredible India - Tourism Exhibition' and the Indian coffee tasting event for the Kuwaiti friends and diplomatic community on March 18.