Abu Dhabi inaugurates 5th edition of India Fest with Indian art, music display

As Abu Dhabi hosts the fifth edition of India Fest, a vast ground in Al Mina area of the city has transformed itself into a colorful hub of attractive art, music, cuisine and dance of India and other parts of the world at the beginning of a three-day festival.

The socio-cultural event which is organised by a prominent Indian organisation in the capital and supported by the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, was inaugurated in the presence of senior Emirati and Indian officials, reported Gulf News.

D. Natarajan, president of Indian Social and Cultural Centre (ISC), the largest social organisation of Indians in the capital, said that this was the first time that the event was being organised outdoors and added that they were expecting more than 30,000 visitors in three days.

Vinod Rajagopal, General Secretary of the centre said the event involved non-Indian cultural and culinary elements as well to make the fest "an international experience."

The event will see Emirati, Egyptian and Lebanese dance performances apart from Bihu, a dance form from Assam. Other attractions will include folklores from regional states, various musical bands and Shadow Play.

About 100 artists from India and the UAE will perform during the festival.

A magic show by Gopinath Muthukad from India is expected to be a major attraction on the opening day.

The Municipality of Abu Dhabi City is the strategic partner for the fest, the report said.