Ambassador of India to Qatar H E Vipul (fourth right) with other officials and guests cutting a cake to mark the opening of ‘India Utsav’ at Lulu Hypermarket, Al Gharafa.
Doha, Qatar: Lulu Group, the leading retail chain in the region has hosted the grand ‘India Utsav’ to commemorate the 75th Republic Day of India.
This 10-day festival, running until February 2, 2024, will showcase a diverse array of Indian food, spices, fruits, vegetables, authentic dishes, and ethnic clothing.
The festival aims to honour the rich culture and heritage of India while promoting the highest quality Indian products.
This annual festival, organised by Lulu Group for the past two decades, not only marks the Indian Republic Day but also pays tribute to the longstanding trade relations between Qatar and India. This year holds special significance as both nations celebrate 50 years of their bilateral relationship.
The festival was inaugurated by Ambassador of India to Qatar H E Vipul at Lulu Hypermarket, Al Gharafa, and was attended by esteemed Qatari dignitaries and community leaders, including representatives from ICC, ICBF, ISC, IWA, IBPC, and other guests.
The inaugural ceremony featured a fusion of traditional art forms from Bengali, Rajasthani, Kathak, and Odissi, enriching the spirit of the festival. Students from Podar Pearl School performed a choir of Qatar and India national anthems, along with a patriotic dance, adding a touch of cultural diversity.
As part of the fest, the Ambassador of India inaugurated the ‘Indian Silk and Ethnic Wear Fest’ at the Saree Section, showcasing a wide collection of pure natural and synthetic silk from India, including saris, readymade garments, and dress material at discounted rates.
In his inaugural address, the Ambassador remarked, “It is an honour to stand before you on this auspicious Republic Day of India here at Lulu Hypermarket. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the distinguished members of the Qatari society and the Indian community who have joined us today.
“As we celebrate the 75th Republic Day of India, it is a momentous occasion to reflect on the incredible journey of our nation. India stands as the fastest-growing economy among the world’s large economies, a testament to the success achieved over seven decades.”
In the past two decades, he said, India has made significant strides in education, science, technology, and IT, culminating in the historic landing of Chandrayaan on the dark side of the moon in 2023 a feat unmatched by any other nation.
Here in Qatar, the Ambassador said: “I express sincere thanks to the leadership and people for hosting over 800,000 Indians, forming the largest expatriate community. Our historic and cultural ties have resulted in robust trade relations, with over $18bn in trade and a vital long-term gas deal securing India’s energy needs.”
