RIYADH: In a vibrant celebration of global cultures as part of the Global Harmony Initiative, India’s diverse cultural heritage and lifestyle is being prominently displayed at Riyadh Season in Saudi Arabia.
The initiative, launched as part of the Quality of Life Program by the Ministry of Media in line with Saudi Vision 2030, forms a centerpiece of the ongoing Riyadh Season at Al-Suwaidi Park.
With song, dance, and delectable dishes, Indian culture is being prominently celebrated at Riyadh Season’s Al-Suwaidi Park. (SPA/Supplied/ Instagram/ suwaidipark)
Various artists and celebrities from India are demonstrating their country’s rich plural culture and heritage during the celebration at Al-Suwaidi Park. These include popular Indian playback singer, music director, songwriter, film and music producer, Himesh Reshammiya; Surabhi Mehra and Samriddhi Mehra, popularly known as “Chinki-Minki” from the popular “Kapil Sharma Show;” Emiway Bantai, Indian rapper, music artist and actor known for “Gully Boy” (2019); and social media influencer and TV actor Sameeksha Sud.
Indian ambassador Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan posted on X: “Got an opportunity to meet famous Indian music star and singer Himesh Reshammiya.
The Global Harmony Initiative aims to showcase the diverse lives of expatriates in the Kingdom, from across countries and cultures.
Sarry Shaaban, General Entertainment Authority official
“His connection at Suwaidi Park on Friday was an unforgettable experience for fans comprising both Indian expatriates and local Saudi attendees. Truly a night to remember! #RiyadhSeason.”
With song, dance, and delectable dishes, Indian culture is being prominently celebrated at Riyadh Season’s Al-Suwaidi Park. (SPA/Supplied/ Instagram/ suwaidipark)
Speaking to Arab News, siblings Chinki-Minki, who are celebrated for their comedic talent on social media and Indian television, said: “We are here for the first time, and we are enjoying it. We have experienced very warm hospitality, we met Indian community members who (have been) staying (in Saudi Arabia) for years and loving it.
“They enjoy the diversity of Saudi culture, inclusive Indian culture and mixing with diaspora of other countries and living in harmony. We are really happy and blessed that we are here and got the opportunity to attend the Global Harmony event here.”
There are live performances by dance troupes, music groups and singers from India on all days for the 2.6 million Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia. (Supplied)
Bantai told Arab News: “All praise to the Ministry of Media (and) General Entertainment Authority for such a great season providing great opportunity for the diaspora, especially the Indian community, getting nine days of fun-filled cultural activities.
“It’s a good opportunity to celebrate pluralism and multicultural diversity. I am here to perform for my people … the Indian community as well as other diaspora joining a celebration of global harmony at Al-Suwaidi Park.
“The environment here is very happening, very inclusive, celebrating the diversity, which is great, salute and respect to them,” he added, thanking the Saudi authorities.
Sud told Arab News: “First time in Riyadh, I am very excited to be here. I have heard a lot about Saudi Arabia … I am happy to see a vibrant Indian community living in Riyadh celebrating multiculturalism, global harmony. Things here are very calm, relaxing and luxurious. I am looking forward to it.”
Among the participants from India, cricketers Umran Malik and S. Sreesanth are also included, the organizers said.
There are live performances by dance troupes, music groups and singers from India on all days for the 2.6 million Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia.
A separate bazaar area has been set up with Indian cuisine, clothing items and handicrafts.
Zeenat Enam, an Indian resident joining the celebration at Al-Suwaidi Park on Saturday evening, told Arab News: “I am very happy to be here and see live performances by different groups. India is known for its diversity, secular fabric and being here to see celebration of diversity as part of the Global Harmony Initiative is an amazing feeling.”
Sarry Shaaban, GEA coordinator at Al-Suwaidi Park, told Arab News: “The Global Harmony Initiative aims to showcase the diverse lives of expatriates in the Kingdom, from across countries and cultures.”
The initiative is focused on the diverse lives of residents in the Kingdom, looking at their professional and family lives, social and recreational activities, contributions to the economy, success stories, and cultural integration into Saudi society, Shaaban explained.
“I myself, (when) staying abroad, used to travel to different cities to watch celebrations of Arab culture, not necessarily Saudi celebrations. It is nice that the GEA has made such arrangements here for the different diaspora,” he added.
The celebration will also highlight government and private sector efforts to improve the quality of life in Saudi cities.
Besides India, the other participating countries are the Philippines (Oct. 22-25), Indonesia (Oct. 26-29), Pakistan (Oct. 30-Nov 2), Yemen (Nov. 3-6), Sudan (Nov. 7-16), Jordan, Lebanon, Syria (Nov. 17-19), Bangladesh (Nov. 20-23 and Egypt (Nov. 24-30).
India and Saudi Arabia enjoy a long history of cultural engagement.
In recent years, bilateral cultural activities have accelerated in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
