Thaindian News

New Delhi, March 31 (IANS) The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) would flag-off the Festival of India in China and France in April, showcasing a variety of art forms from various regions of India.
“India has close and friendly ties with both China and France. With these festivals, ICCR is looking forward to strengthen and expand its relations with the two countries,” ICCR Director General Virendra Gupta said.

The Festival of India in China will be a six-month-long event, beginning April 7 at Beijing. It would be inaugurated by External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna.

The Festival of India in France, known as ‘Namaste France’ would be a 14-month-long programme, to be inaugurated by ICCR president Karan Singh in Paris April 14.

“Though the ICCR had given less importance to such festivals in the past, from this year we are planning to hold at least two such major festivals as they help in improving the bilateral relationship with the other countries,” Gupta said.

“The Festival of China would showcase Bollywood style extravaganza where hit dance numbers and songs from Hindi films will be performed by 40 artistes. The people of China have particular interest in Bollywood movies,” he added.

Cultural Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy here, Xei Fei said: “Festivals of this nature are necessary as even though India and China are neighbouring countries, we don’t have an in-depth knowledge of each others’ cultures.”

French Ambassador here Jerome Bonnafoul said: “In Paris, audiences wait to see such cultural events from India. They like both the modern and contemporary art forms of India.”

“With such fan following, we are planning to arrange a cultural exchange programme exclusively for India, in which 200 Indian art form experts can make a short visit to France to know more about French art forms,” he said.

“Hundred French artists will be invited to India to see and learn the various art forms of India,” Bonnafoul added.