The Eighth Delhi International Arts Festival, one of India's most prestigious cultural festivals, began here today.
The iconic festival of the arts, which spans two weeks, will present dance, music, theatre, both national and international, from the most traditional forms to cutting edge contemporary, in addition to poetry, literature, exhibitions, handloom and handicrafts, as well as film festivals, a northeast carnival, Sufi and Qawwali events at multiple venues in the city.
The festival will see performances by groups from over 14 countries along side over 2,000 Indian artistes. The festival is being held till November 11, a press release here said.
The inaugural function saw an array of performances by dancers from Turkey, Kazakhstan and Malaysia as well as an opening rendition of chants of 'Veda-Shakha Swadhyaya'.
The Union Ministry of Culture and Indian Council for Cultural Relations are the principal collaborators of the festival, the release added.
