1st August, (Puneet Dhingra) Melbourne

“Confluence – the Festival of India in Australia”, started here in Melbourne with a formal media launch by Manika Jain, Consul General of India in Melbourne”. It uncovered the points of interest of the Festival, arrangements for which have been in progress for over a year.

The celebration takes place over ten weeks through August – November this year, showcasing rich and diverse dance, music, theater and visual expressions from India. It likewise incorporates gatherings and workshops that offer experiences into conventional and contemporary Indian society and its confluence with Australia’s interested and suitable masses.

“’Confluence – the Festival of India’ in Australia will have a solid and positive effect on the reciprocal relationship, cultivating common social associations, advancing tourism and migration and highlighting business opportunities amongst Australia and India”, Manika Jain said.

A key part of this program is collaboration with Australian craftsmen, for example, a joint execution by the Indian music bunch Sonam Kalra and The Sufi Gospel Project and Australian performer Ashlee Clement alongside a didgeridoo player. Famous Indian illustrator Ajit Ninan will talk about political silliness with partners like David Pope and Mark Knight.

Also present at the media launch Navdeep Suri, High Commissioner of India in Australia, said, “The Festival of India will enthrall audiences from Opera House in Sydney to Federation Square in Melbourne, from QPAC in Brisbane to the Festival Centre in Adelaide, from the Old Parliament in Canberra to the State Theatre in Perth”.

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi coasted the possibility of the Festival amid his visit to Australia in 2014 as a key deliverable of the MOU amongst India and Australia in the field of arts and Culture.