Flavours and colours of India

The Indian pavilion at Global Village is a major attraction for both residents and tourists alike

A visit to the Global Village is incomplete if you don't visit the India pavilion. It is a major draw for residents and tourists alike. "Every year, the Indian pavilion has a different theme. The state of Punjab is in focus this year, adding colour, architectural elements and traditions of the state," says Sunil Bhatia, CEO, E4 Entertainment, organisers of the pavilion.

The façade replicates Jagatjit Palace, an architectural marvel that is a pride of the state. Statues of Punjabi dancers add elements of colour to the façade. Interestingly, around 150 workers took more than three months to complete the pavilion.

Bhatia notes that there are several star attractions here. The Chokha Punjab (heritage area) is designed to give an authentic Punjabi experience to visitors with a mix of rich folk entertainment and flavoursome Punjabi food to taste. Props and elements such as a traditional truck, sculptures of people performing daily activities such as farming, singing and dancing are placed around the heritage area to add to the mood and theme.

"Punjabis are known for their folk dance, the most famous being the bhangra, which is performed to celebrate a marriage, the birth of a son, or a similar event," Bhatia adds.
Tired of walking around, look no further. There are traditional wooden benches and khatiyas (woven beds) to sit on. They are placed throughout the pavilion to enhance the classic feel while also providing comfortable seating.

Love henna designs, there are five to six henna experts working on henna designs on enthusiastic visitors. Henna (mehendi) is a paste made from the leaves of the henna plant that stains the skin temporarily when applied. It is a favourite form of body decoration and is very popular in the Middle East.

Caricature artists are busy drawing portraits of individuals. They are a popular attraction and prove to be very entertaining for the young at heart.
"Artisans skilfully write, usually a name, on a small grain of rice. There is one artisan creating items such as key chains and pendants for guests at the pavilion," informs Bhatia.

Another interesting skill that is showcased is Bidri where skilled artisans inlay pure silver or gold on a background of blackened steel or copper, creating striking motifs.
Says Bhatia, "The India pavilion is the only pavilion which has its own stage with a seating capacity of approximately 800-900 people. Seven days a week, cultural programmes are held in the evening in which performers from various states of India showcase traditional dances. Talented Indian artists from local dance institutes and schools also participate."

For the shopaholics, there are several goods on sale. "Pashmina shawls and gatras (head shawls) from Kashmir, jewellery, Punjabi jutti, hand embroidered bedsheets from Kolkata, traditional clothing, wooden furniture from Saharanpur, and Lucknowi traditional dresses and spices are the most popular. Spices from Kashmir, herbal products and packed tea are other popular products," he notes.
Foodies can feast on the Delhi special chaat, vada paw, paw bhaji, traditional hot milk, kulfi and faluda ice creams or Indian sweets. With all this and more available right here in Dubai, what are you waiting for?  

- suchitra@khaleejtimes.com

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