Cultural Show: performances

The cultural and dance performances help to establish cultural ties. The Indian Council for Cultural Relations Cultural Troupes came from India to showcase mesmerizing performances. This op-ed gives a standing ovation to the performers who captured the moment and connected to the live audiences.

Fiji, His Excellency Hon President, Ratu

Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere and Hon’ble External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar. This high profile International Conference was attended by the Hon Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka, three deputy Prime Ministers, Hon. Bill Gavoka, Hon Biman Prasad, Hon. Manoa Kamikamica. Many Fiji’s Members of Parliament Hon. Aseri Radrodro, Hon. Agni Deo Singh and Hon. Charan Jeath Singh participated in the event and added grandeur to the event of WHC.

Musical Performances at WHC and Cultural Show

Many cultural groups gave the musical performance in Fiji. A. K Divine group from Mumbai, a group of performers who performed live on old and new Bollywood songs to establish great chemistry with the audiences. Another performance was done by Geetanjali Sharma performance the folk exponent and Kathak dancer of Jaipur Gharana made spellbound by the fascinating spectacle or performance.

One of the performances was Bharatanaty- am performance of Kalinga Nartana, which is a popular composition of Purandara Dasa selected verses of the compositions are taken to show little Krishana dances on the hood of the poisonous snake Kalinga. It witnessed the way baby Krishna defends and flights with the snake, all the asuras flee away in fear and the Nagakkannikas beg for his mercy in all forms.

The next performance was by Mohinioyattam performance which was led by Pallavi Krishnan who performed Ganapati Vandana, where dancers seek blessings from Lord Ganapati to remove all the obstacles. Last but not least was the energetic Bagga Lok Nach Academy dance group from Patiala performed on fold dances of Punjab such as Jindua, Jhoomer and Bhangra. Their performance and bhangra moves showcase the culture of Punjab in Fiji.

These cultural performances by Indian artists in Fiji were thoroughly enjoyed by Fiji’s audience. Music and dance connect people and establish harmony. The same message was given by Fiji’s President at WHC, who said “when it comes to entertainment, Bollywood movies are favourite as Fijians love to watch Bollywood films accompanied by singalongs, laughter, and dance”. Thus, unity in diversity is the notion of a message adopting the many nations that have cultural diversity.

Conclusion

Fijians were mesmerized by the musical and cultural performance at the Festival of India Cultural Show. These events have happened in the past and hopefully shall continue in future to establish close cultural ties between Fiji and India. These events strengthen the harmony and friendship among both nations. The audience must have felt delighted to witness the ecstatic experience at this spectacular extravaganza of cultural performances.

Disclaimer: Dr Sakul Kundra is an Associate Dean, Research and Assistant Professor at the College of Humanities and Education, at Fiji National University. The views expressed are his own and not of this newspaper or his employer. Email dr.sakulkundra@ gmail.com

Cumberland Council would like to wish all those who are celebrating, a Happy Holi Festival.

Holi is a special time and most joyous festival in the Hindu calendar month of Phalguna, and celebrates divine and eternal love.

May this festival colour your life and bring you joy, wealth, love and celebrations and remove sorrow and sadness from your life.

Best wishes to you and your families.

Has anyone experienced the Mathura Holi? It is a lifetime experience for believers. Celebrated on the ghats of Mathura – the birthplace of Lord Krishna, you will experience a week long, wildest, yet colorful and sensible revelry.

It is in Mathura, where Radha-Krishna love bloomed. Legend has it that Krishna was jealous of Radha’s fairness and used to complain about his ‘dusky’ face to his mother. It was to balance the skin tones of each other that he used to throw colours at Radha and paint her face with multiple colours.

This has now become a tradition and has only evolved to be a more colourful and wild lathmar Holi. With sticks, shields, colours, and canons of water, there is no better place to celebrate Holi, than where it originated from.

So, while we are prepping to celebrate this most loved festival this year we present to you one of many Holi delicacies, Urad Dal Kachori with UP style Aloo sabzi( Dubki waale)

Ingredients and instructions for Potato curry:

1. 4 boiled potatoes – Drain, peel, crumble by hand and Set aside.

2. In a deep saucepan, heat 1tbs ghee. Add a pinch of asoefetida. After it sizzles, add 1tsp dry fenugreek, 1/4tsp turmeric powder, 1/2tsp chilli powder, 1tsp cumin powder, 1/2tsp fennel seeds and 1tsp coriander powder. Fry for 1 minute.

3. To this add 1 “ piece of ginger finely chopped and cook for another 1 minute. Then add, 1 large chopped tomato and 2 tbs roasted besan. Cook until tomato turns mushy.

4. Now add the crumbled potatoes, 1/2tsp dry fenugreek, 1/2tsp garam masala and 1 1/2 cups water. Bring to a boil. Simmer for 10 minutes. To this, add 1tsp dried mango powder and salt to taste. Cook for 1 more minute.

5. Finally add 2tbsp of finely chopped cilantro and stir to combine and set aside to serve with the kachories later.

Ingredients and Instructions for the Kachori dough:

1. In a large mixing bowl take 1 cup all purpose flour, 1 cup whole wheat flour, ½ teaspoon baking powder and ½ teaspoon salt.

2. To this, add 3 tablespoons ghee and com-