OMAN-INDIA TIES, ACROSS SEA AND SPACE

and provided numerous platforms of exchange and cultural fertilization.

Nestled at the centre of the historical spice route, Oman is a culinary blend of flavours from different parts of the desert, the sea and the farm. Indian dishes are very popular in Oman and many food items are also consumed in Oman without changing their Indian names like Biryani (‫ )البريانــي‬Pakora (‫)بكــورا‬, Samosa (‫)سمبوســا‬, Dal (‫ )دال‬and Keema (‫)كيمــا‬. Sita-Phal is a common Indian fruit that did not lose its Indian name when it travelled to Oman – it is called (‫ســتفعال‬. Rice preparations are ubiquitous in all areas of Oman, to the extent that biryani is actually seen as a local speciality. Other variations of rice include Majboos and Shuwa, both rice mixed with meat and slow cooked – the Omani version of ‘dum pukht’. One of the most popular beverages in Oman (as in the entire Gulf region) is ‘karak chai’. Mixed with cardamom, ginger and cloves (Indian masala), this is a spiced tea made with condensed milk and boiled over a long time. Affordable and tasty, karak chai is available at every nook and corner of Oman. It has also been re-invented as ‘karak latte’ in larger, commercial and boutique coffee shops. Omanis and Indians also share the ‘halwa’, which, although made from different ingredients to suit local availability of products, share the sweet component. The use of coconut milk in many traditional Omani dishes as well as the addition of sesame seeds, cinnamon and saffron point to cultural affinities with Indian culinary traditions23. Omani dates and their variations in the form of chocolate and nut-filled dates are very popular in all parts of India and are often gifted during festivals and in corporate events.

Fostering Oman-India artistic ties The rich historical affinities between Oman and India continue even today, with both countries participating in a range of institutional and community events that shape and develop cultural understanding at the public, and private, familial level.

The Office of the Cultural Attaché of Oman in New Delhi, the Indian Embassy in Oman, as well as the Indian Social Club, a representative body of Indians in Oman are all playing crucial roles in promoting and strengthening cultural bonds between the two countries. Bilateral visits of cultural and educational delegations have made the relations stronger. Indian cinema is also very popular among all the generations of Omanis who habitually watch recent releases in the multiplexes in Muscat and other towns.

The reciprocal exchange of cultural events is ongoing and widely appreciated in both countries. The Omani cultural troupes often give performances in 23 See Jacob, R (2018) ‘Naming food and creating identity in transnational contexts’ for more information on Oman’s culinary hybridity and cosmopolitanism.

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