Rajasthani troupe performs in Ghana

A Rajasthani cultural troupe performed for the first time at the National Theatre here on Friday. It is due to perform next in the country's Kumasi city on Wednesday, courtesy four Indian-owned companies in Ghana.

Sponsored by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), the event was organised by the Indian High Commission in Accra.

Four Indian-owned companies operating in Ghana -- Mohinani Group; Tata Holdings Africa; IPMC; and M.G Pharmaceuticals -- co-sponsored the eight-member cultural troupe 'Sapera' (Kalbelia) from Rajasthan for two performances in the country, as part of efforts to deepen the cultural relationship between India and Ghana, the Indian High Commissioner, Jeeva Sagar, said here.

Kalbelia, one of the most sensuous dance forms of Rajasthan, performed by a tribe of the same name, has been a part of the Unesco's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity since 2010.

The cultural group comprised four male singers and four female dancers.

In his welcome remark, the Indian high commissioner said art and culture transcend national and international boundaries. The visit of this renowned cultural group from India was an effort to deepen the cultural affinities between India and Ghana.

He commended the companies that co-sponsored the visit of the troupe, saying their effort was in line with the Indian government's vision and commitment to expand the people-to-people linkages between the two countries.

The troupe's performance in Accra was attended by local Ghanaian dignitaries, including Education Minister Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang, diplomats, eminent personalities from all walks of life, and members of the Indian community.

From Ghana, the group is scheduled to travel to neighbouring west African country Burkina Faso where they will give perform on September 13 and 14.

In 2012, a dance troupe 'NTENTAN' from Ghana had participated in the Africa Festival organised by ICCR in New Delhi and Ahmedabad from June 14-22 at the invitation of the ICCR.

(Francis Kokutse can be contacted at francis.k@ians.in )