Fijians will have more opportunities to experience Indian classical dance, with the High Commission of India in Suva planning to take performances by locally trained artists to locations across the country.
The initiative was launched with an Indian Classical Dance Showcase at Vunimono Hall in Nausori on Monday, organised by the High Commission of India and the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, in collaboration with Sanatan Dharam Mahamandal.
The Centre says the initiative aims to bring India's classical dance traditions closer to local communities, encourage younger generations to appreciate the art forms and promote cultural exchange between Fiji and India.
They says the inaugural showcase featured Kathak performances by SVCC students trained under Pt. Avijeet Chakravarty, and Bharatanatyam performances by students trained under Kalashree Sidorana Rao.
The Centre adds performances highlighted the distinct movements, intricate footwork, rhythmic patterns and expressive storytelling of the two classical dance forms.
Indian High Commissioner Suneet Mehta says Indian classical dance plays an important role in preserving cultural heritage, fostering intercultural understanding and strengthening the longstanding friendship between Fiji and India.
Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Sanatan Dharam Mahamandal Govind Singh spoke about the organisation's history and contributions, while its president, Rohitesh Chand, welcomed guests and participants.
The Centre says taking the showcase to other locations will expand access to Indian classical dance and provide more communities across Fiji with opportunities to appreciate India's rich cultural heritage while strengthening people-to-people connections between the two countries.to-people ties between the two countries.
