Check out the pictures from the first day of the ‘Passage to India’ Festival which was arranged by the Indian Cultural Center. Katara Cultural Village hosted the event for the 2^nd year as a way to provide greater insight into the rich cultural traditions of the 29 states of India.

Dancers showcased various Indian traditional dancing styles including bharatanatyam, and kathakali styles. There was also a 10m high replica of India Gate (a memorial of the 60,000 soldiers who died during WW1 for the British Empire) was erected specially for the event.

Art, crafts and food stalls were are also present, selling regional Indian goods including bronze ornaments, paintings, jewellery and textiles. There was also a special stall selling goods from the state of Odisha, including a unique bone comb designed to dispense oil as you brushed your hair.

Our favourite image of the night is of the Indian gentleman dressed in traditional Indian garments who also decorated himself in the Qatari flag and colours – cultural fusion at it best!

The event continues tonight until 10pm, and is free and open to the public – so check it out!

Are you planning to go this evening? Did you go last night? What did you think of the festival?

[PC: SA]