Swaraj to inaugurate cultural festival of Saudi Arabia today

New Delhi [India], Feb. 07 (ANI): External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will inaugurate a national cultural festival of Saudi Arabia, Al Janadria, on Wednesday.

India is the guest of honour country at this year's festival, and Swaraj, who is on a three-day visit to to the Kingdom-nation, will be leading the Indian delegation at the festival.

The two-week long festival that began in is the biggest cultural festival of the Gulf that celebrates the culture and heritage of Saudi.

The festival not only brings to life the culture of the Gulf kingdom but also aims to acquaint its citizens with the cultures of other countries, by way of inviting a country each year as the guest of honour.

This year, at the 32nd edition of the festival, India as the guest of honour will get to showcase facets of its culture, business opportunities and scientific, technological, medical and military progress

Indian Pavilion at the festival will provide a glimpse of socio-cultural heritage, folklore, traditional costumes, Indian perfumes, bridal costumes, artifacts, calligraphy and food.

There will also be displays and presentations by ministries and departments of the country.

Indian cultural performances such as Kathakali, Kalariyaptu, Kathak, Manipuri, Chhau, Bangra, Bollywood, Gujarati and Rajasthani and Yoga performances are also expected to grace Al Janadria.

On the business front, major Indian companies like Tata Motors, Jet Airways, Al Abeer Medical Group, etc. will also be putting up stalls at the Pavilion.

Al Janadria started in 1985 under the patronage of the ruling monarch. The tradition continues with King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud who is the patron of the festival this year. (ANI)

This story has not been edited. It has been published as provided by ANI