DIAF to begin amid pomp and show

With participants from 28 countries, Delhi International Art Festival (DIAF) is geared up for its 14-day-long cultural carnival here from Saturday.
The 10th-edition of the multi-arts, multi-venue Annual art and cultural festival will have its opening ceremony at the historic Purana Quila.
Launched with the aim to re-align people's focus on the myriad art forms in India, the festival, organised under the banner of Prassidha Foundation by renowned Bharatnatyam dancer Pratibha Prahlad, is free for public.
Supported by the Indian government, DIAF offers performances ranging from the most traditional to the most contemporary expressions in art.
"This festival has 'Look East' and 'Look West' segments which include acts by the Chongqing National Opera from the Sichuan province of China, and concerts of famous bands from USA and Flamenco music from Spain, respectively.

"Also, SAARC will be represented by theatre from Pakistan, dance from Sri Lanka and an art exhibition by Preema Nazia Andaleeb from Bangladesh," Prahlad, who is DIAF Director, said.

Pratibha said almost 50 per cent of the festival comprises of Indian arts and artistes.
"The performance spaces range from large heritage monuments to formal theaters, amphitheaters, malls, eclectic music spaces and parks. By this we are attempting to reach out to a cross section of the public," Pratibha said.
Other venues for the different showings in this cultural bonanza includes Meghdhoot theatre, Kamani auditorium and Central Park.