Newsnomics AJAY ANGELINA reporter|

‘SARANG’ the 9th edition of the Indian Embassy’s annual flagship cultural Festival that presents the Indian

artistic performances and feature Indian classical dance 'Bharatanatyam' was held in Republic of Korea from

6-12 October 2023.

‘SARANG’ festival 2023 has been organized with the addition of new program elements especially to celebrate fifty years of establishment of bilateral diplomatic ties between India and the ROK.

'SARANG' translates to 'love' in Korean language and 'diversity representing the different colors of India' hold

significant meaning for both the India and the ROK.

The mesmerizing arts performances featuring Indian classical dance 'Bharatanatyam' has been presented in

the different areas of the Republic of Korea started with the inaugural session of Queen Heo Wedding Festival in Gimhae on October 6, Hwaeom Music Festival in Gurye on October 7, the 'Bharatanatyam' troupe was

performed at Nami Island in Seoul on October 8~9, held a workshop with the well-known Seoul Institute of

Arts in Ansan on October 10,performed an hour-long Bharatnatyam in Centennial Hall, Yonsei University in

Seoul October 11, in addition at Gyeonggi Art Center, Suwon on October 12.

'Bharatanatyam' troupe was led by eminent dancer Vidyashree Radhakrishna drew attraction and standing ovation from the 500-strong audience comprising the diplomatic community, government officials, media, academics, business persons, culture enthusiasts and members of the Indian diaspora shared by the Indian Embassy in South Korea on its Facebook account. 

'Bharatanatyam' is one of the oldest recorded classical dance forms of India, originating in the Tamil Nadu region of South India. Initially this art form was performed solo by the Indian female dancers in Hindu temples. ‘Bharatanatyam’ in the modern stage productions have become popular throughout India and include performances that are purely dance-based on non-religious ideas and fusion themes. Bharatanatyam is known for its flamboyant footwork, hand gestures and delicate facial expressions, making it a captivating dance form.

‘SARANG’ festival 2023 was successfully be done in cooperation with the local partners of the Embassy of India and ROK include Gimhae City Cultural Foundation, Nami Island Art and Education Inc, Korean Film Archives, Busan Cinema Center, Korea Food Promotion Institute, Indian Chamber of Commerce in Korea, local Governments in Seoul, Incheon, Suncheon and Yongsan.

The SARANG festival began in 2015 with an objective to make a strong bond of millennia old civilizational connection and people-to-people contacts between India and ROK in order to exchange the areas of art, dance, music, films, and cuisine.