The UAE’s first ever Indian Fest got underway yesterday (Wednesday) at Al Qasba, Sharjah’s premier leisure destination, with the opening of the inaugural festival to celebrate Indian culture and traditions enjoying a huge public turnout.

Continuing until Saturday, Indian Fest is featuring a variety music, dances, art, entertainment and culinary offerings that showcase India’s vibrant culture and rich cultural legacy. Among those attending on the first day was K. Muraleedharan, Deputy Consul General of the Consulate General of India, Dubai.

Day one of the four-days Indian Fest saw a programme of music and dance performances that were applauded by residents and visitors to Al Qasba. Accompanying the Indian classical and folk music recitals. Other musical-themed activities taking place were semi-classical dance competitions for children and adults, traditional Indian street dance routines and performances from Kachhi Ghodi, whose members roamed the walkways of Al Qasba entertaining entrants to the popular family leisure destination.

Visitors to Al Qasba during Indian Fest can enjoy puppet shows by professional artists from Rajasthan and can participate in decoration tutorials and bangle workshops. Also on site is an Indian market, which is offering visitors the opportunity to buy souvenirs, such as garments and accessories. The Indian souq is also selling numerous traditional artifacts which are proving popular with Indian heritage lovers.

Cuisine is at the top of the menu at Indian Fest, with audiences enjoying live cooking demonstrations that present the most delicious dishes from every corner of the nation. There is a also line-up of food kiosks and stalls where visitors have the chance to taste a wide variety of Indian delicacies, as well as traditional street food.

Sultan Shattaf, Al Qasba Manager, said: “We organised this festival in celebration of the deep–rooted relations and strong ties between the UAE and India. Through it we seek to highlight the rich cultural heritage of the country, including its food, music, art and traditions.”

Shattaf expressed his delight with the overwhelming response the Indian Fest got on its first day and urged everyone to enjoy its extensive programme of activities that continues over the weekend. Indian Fest is open daily from 4:30 pm-10:00 pm. Today (Friday), visitors have the chance to learn how to lead a healthy lifestyle by practicing Yoga during an interactive presentation from Sumit Manav, which takes place at 7:15 pm on the main stage (next to Block A).

Al Qasba boasts a range of state-of-the-art facilities and tourist attractions, including, several restaurants and cafes, the Kids Fun Zone, the Al Qasba Musical Fountain, the Eye of the Emirates Wheel, the Maraya Art Centre and two libraries, among other amenities designed to meet the needs of visitors of all ages.