First-ever Indian Village at Sharjah Ramadan Festival

The Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, Babu Lal Gaur, who will be accompanied by Kailash Chawla, Madhya Pradesh Minister of Commerce and Industries, on October 14, will inaugurate the event.

"This is the first time that an Indian village is going to be set up at the Sharjah Ramadan Festival and we are very happy to support it," said Sudesh K. Aggarwal, Chairman of the IBPC. "Many other states would also be brought in the coming few years and we will work closely with the Chamber in bringing the beauty of India closer to home," he added.

"Madhya Pradesh is participating in the festival to expose the potential of the state to the residents of Sharjah. The unique aspect of the Indian participation is the fact that the event will not only focus on the areas of tourist interest but will also explore the possibility of extending business relations," said Aruna Sharma, Secretary, Government of Madhya Pradesh.

The chief minister and his delegation will be meeting the local business community to explore possible markets for their various products. The state has developed a huge market for agricultural products like garlic, coriander, wheat, onions and herbal medicines. Artisans from the state will also be visiting the village where the unique handicrafts of Madhya Pradesh will be on display. A children's play area and a food court offering mouth-watering delicacies of India will also be on display.

The Village will be selling merchandise from other parts of India. A bangle-maker from Hyderabad and a number of Henna artists will also be on hand for the ladies to indulge in the festive season preparations.

Supporting the event is the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industries, and the chamber Chairman Ahmed Mohammed Al Mitfa will be meeting the minister. The inaugural event will be attended by the Indian consul general and Chairman of the Amiri Court, Shaikh Abdullah bin Salem. A cultural programme depicting the eternal love story of Mandu in Kathak dance will follow the event.

The Indian Village will be open for 40 days — from 14 October to 24th November — and the timing during the holy month of Ramadan would be from 7pm to 0.30am.