A quick cameo of performances from India, Taiwan, Russia, Argentina, Egypt and the US will mark the gala opening of the 11th edition of the Delhi International Arts Festival (DIAF) at the magnificent Purana Qila here on Saturday.
Delhi International Arts Festival is one of its kind as it includes all genres of music, dance, theatre, puppetry, poetry, literature, visual arts, films and exhibitions -- from the most traditional to the most contemporary expressions of all these art forms. Several embassies, cultural centers, international cultural managers, other international festivals and artistes from all around the world are also part of the annual event. This time DIAF will host artistes from 26 Countries and from all over India.
Of the 25 plus venues of the Festival are huge heritage sites like the Purana Qila, Qutub Minar, Central Park, CSOI (Civil Services Officers Institute), IGNCA, Auditorium, Kamani Auditorium, India Habitat Centre and Bikaner House, among others.
"I believe that everyone should be touched by art. Art feeds the soul and reveals one's true identity. A little brush with art changes perceptions and moulds a human being into a sensitive, understanding, accepting person. In today's world, this is an urgent necessity" festival founder-director Prathibha Prahlad said in a statement.
One of the highlights of DIAF this year will be the celebration of silver jubilee of Asean-India Partnership at Qutub Minar at the losing ceremony, which will feature Artistic Border Guards Group from Vietnam, a Traditional Dance and Music Performance from Bangladesh, Sumatera Dance Troupe from Indonesia and Baihana Trio from Philippines.
In addition to all of these are exciting performances like "Balinese Wayang," a puppet dance from Indonesia and "Wayang Kulit Dalang," a shadow play from Malaysia and many other performances from the UK, Norway, Thailand, Portugal, France, Egypt, Argentina, Hungary and Ireland.
The artistes will also be visiting almost 18 schools during the day to address and harness young minds to the beauty of the arts.
The festival is organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and the Delhi government.
--IANS
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