Bali (Indonesia), June 17 (IANS): Balinese got a slice of Indian culture, music and dance, as an Indian contingent participated in Bali Art Festival for the first time in 36 years. This is an effort to deepen the "centuries-old" cultural relationship between the two countries, especially with Bali, that has a strong Indian connection.
The Indian contingent participated in the cultural parade on the opening day of the one-month long festival June 13, in Denpasa, capital of Bali province.
Along with them, 16 Balinese students of the Indian Cultural Centre(ICC) presented a classic Bharatanatyam dance and the dandiya popular folk dance from Gujarat.
"These efforts are made with a view to deepening the centuries-old cultural relationship with Indonesia and Bali in particular as also to assist in skill development of the Balinese people," said an Indian embassy statement Tuesday.
"These colourful and vibrant performances were much appreciated by their president,
Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, the first lady Ani Yudhoyono and Bali governor Made Mangku
Pastika," it added.
Indian Ambassador Gurjit Singh later felicitated the Indian contingent. The consulate general of India in Bali has also put up an exhibition in the grounds of the festival to promote tourism to India, including religious tourism, cultural and
adventure tourism.
Within the pavilion, there is also an opportunity for the Balinese to known about Indian educational institutions and universities to pursue higher studies or engage in skill-development.
In order to introduce Indian cultural window to the Balinese, the consulate has also organised three performances comprising classical and folk dances, Bollywood dance and a musical performance.
Bali is a Hindu-majority area in Muslim-dominated Indonesia and the "island of a thousand temples" has many popular temples like Besakih temple, Tanah Lot temple and the Tirta Empul temple, among others.