Nothing can be more soothing for a country ,which has witnessed a series of terror acts in the recent past, other than to engage with culture and art. Arpita Singh reports on Namaste France, a cultural festival of India in France, began on September 15 and will conclude November 30
Call it a cultural bonaza. From films of none other than Satyajit Ray to recitals by dancers Astad Deboo and Raja and Radha Reddy, Namaste France, is a rare art feast to France by India.
Indian traditional arts, music, dance, theatre, cinema, yoga, fashion and literature will be showcased at ‘Namaste France’, a festival organised by the Embassy of India in Paris in collaboration with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).
Indian classical dancer and choreographer of Odissi dancing style, Sonal Mansingh, who is also performing in the festival, says,“Dance is a dynamic yoga and I am going to present something that would make the Indian dance forms and dancers unique. The presentation will be a a fusion of different art forms, which will be glimpse of life. I will try to present dance as a darshan”, says the dancer, who is also proficient in Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, and Chhau .
Pandit Bhajan Sopori, the ace santoor maestro, another participant in the festival, says that “It’s a kind of cultural exchange that youth from France and India will together showcase their cultural tradition.” Sopori adds, “This collaboration of two countries is a good experiment and it will definitely create a long-lasting memory in the heart and mind of the people of both the countries.”
“Namaste France will be a milestone, as it is wonderful to bring together people for cultural exchanges”, says Ambassador of France to India Alexandre Ziegler. He further says, “France and India shares a historical tie in the terms of culture, fashion and art, which is also reflected in excellent bilateral relationship. France-Bonjour India, a similar kind of cultural festival will be organised next year in India”.
As many as 30 films of Satyajit Ray including The Big City, The Fortress and The Elephant will be screened at the festival. Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, fashion designer Rahul Mishra and Michelin-starred chef Vineet Bhatia will also be a part of Namaste France. During the mega cultural festival two major Indian festivals-Diwali and Navratri--would be celebrated.
Contemporary Indian dance performance ,‘Divine Rhythms’, by legendary dancer-choreographer Astad Deboo, kathak by Kumudini lakhia, recitals by renowned kuchipudi duo Raja and Radha Reddy, by violin maestro l Subramaniam and sarod by Amaan and Ayaan Ali Khan will be the major highlights of the Namaste France Festival. The festival is taking place in 23 cities of France.