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The perfect getaway: India pavilion at Global Village

Life-sized structures in concrete of Indian heritage symbols offer a perfect background and give a glimpse of India's biodiversity.

The India pavilion at Global Village continues to be a magnet for visitors and brings to the shores of Dubai India's rich and varied heritage. The impressive pavilion stands tall among 32 country pavilions representing more than 70 countries in the 20th edition of Global Village. With plenty of new attractions, the pavilion offers non-stop entertainment and more. According to the organisers, there are more than 348 stalls spread across an area of 123,848 square feet offering you the best of India. Interlocked paved roads with classic pole lights and a musical fountain add to the ambience inside the pavilion.
The grand façade stands tall representing several monuments from different parts of India - The Mysore Palace, Amber Fort, Dakshineswar, Wheels from the Konark Sun Temple and the Gwalior Fort - seamlessly combined into one. The eye-catching façade with the tiger, peacock and elephants attract hundreds of visitors. Life-sized structures in concrete of Indian heritage symbols offer a perfect background and give a glimpse of India's biodiversity.
This is your perfect getaway to explore authentic Indian merchandise - textiles, footwear, jewellery, accessories, Ayurvedic products and massages, cosmetics, Indian spices, handicrafts and décor. Foodies have plenty of options to tantalise their taste buds as well.
MAC Events are the organisers of the India Pavilion. According to them the project was completed in a short span of time between June and October last year. Sreekumar KS, the Managing Director of MAC events said, "MAC started off in the construction field and we've put in our best while constructing the pavilion. Around 165 artisans worked 16 hours a day for four months on the project. It is built more like a permanent structure, strong enough to withstand the test of time."
Hailing from Methiri, a small town in Ramapuram, Kottayam, Kerala, Sreekumar ensured that a creative team with postgraduate degrees in fine arts designed the pavilion that India and Indians abroad can be proud of.
HERITAGE VILLAGE
A special heritage village is open at the India pavilion and gives the true taste of Indian heritage to anyone who wants to know more about the country. Art forms such as Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Odissi, Bharatnatyam, Ottanthulal, Sattriya dance traditions, Punjcholam, Manipuri dance, Punjabi dance, Kathak, Dandiya and Kuchipudi are showcased here, explains Neeraja, who is involved in the day-to-day activities of the pavilion.
Says Sarju Mathew, Director of Prochannel Media, "To add to your experience, we are hosting special concerts by eminent Indian artists. Bollywood playback singer Shreya Ghoshal will be performing on January 29 and one of India's best percussionists and drummers Anandan Sivamani will be performing on March 10. Dates have to be finalised for Charles Anthony, a solo artist who can sing in over 15 languages and is also expected to enthral visitors at the main cultural stage of Global Village."
CVN Kalari - India's traditional martial art performers and stunt artists, who have trained stalwarts like Jackie Chan and Shah Rukh Khan, are also showcasing their talents at Global Village. They will be performing on the main stage and inside the Indian pavilion on January 14 and 15. Apart from the performances, for the first time, there is a special stall at the pavilion offering specialised Kalari/Marma massage for those who are in need of an expert touch.
Meanwhile, the stage inside India pavilion has daily competitions and shows from 6 pm to 10 pm providing Dubai residents a great platform to showcase their talents at the cultural shows. Ethnic performances from several parts of India attract crowds. Currently, Punjabi dancers are wowing audiences. Two stilt walkers and doll players form part of the live activity. Dance India Dance's competitions in Cinematic Dance, Classical Fusion Dance, Indian Band Fest, and performers and artists from top music and dance schools from all over the UAE are set to entertain guests.
Additionally, performances by Idea-Star singer Najim Arshad, playback singer Biju Narayanan, India's fastest speed-painter Vilas Nayak and live bands such as 4 Men and Strings are highlights of this year's activities at the pavilion. Watch out for the bridal show that will display the beauty and diversity of Indian brides from every state of India or the huge hand-painted attractions for art lovers. Feel free to enjoy the cool breeze near the musical fountain, get your portraits done by artists or collect artefacts to showcase India at your home. The choices are myriad. The decision is yours.
suchitra@khaleejtimes.com