India-Fest 2012 attracts thousands in Abu Dhabi

Arab Herald (ANI) Sunday 5th February, 2012

Over 15,000 people were present on the first two days of the India Fest 2012, showcasing India's cultural diversity alongwith its cuisine, in Abu Dhabi.

The three-day festival was inaugurated by Indian Ambassador to UAE, M.K. Lokesh.

The event has been organized by Abu Dhabi's largest socio-cultural organization, Indian Social and Cultural Centre (ISC) for the second consecutive year.

The highlight of this year's event was the ISC's partnership with the Government of India, which has sent three cultural troupes to perform in the festival, Honorary President of the centre, Ramesh Panicker said.

Cultural troupes from other countries such as Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Philippines also showcased their traditional folklores at the festival.

A portion of the proceeds of the festival will go to charity, Panicker added.

"More than 15,000 people visited the festival on the first two days and we expect a total of 25,000 people by late on Saturday [yesterday]," the Gulf News quoted Honorary Secretary of the centre, M.A. Salam, as saying.

About 20,000 people had attended the first edition of the festival in 2011. (ANI)