10 October 2021
Bahrain Culture Authority Festive Program Unveiled
In celebration of the Golden Jubilee of diplomatic relations between Bahrain and India held at Bab al-Bahrain between 12-19 October
Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities unveiled, on 10 October 2021, its richly scheduled program to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Republic of India, in press conference in the Bahrain National Museum. The press conference was attended by H.E Excellency Shaikha Hala bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, Director General of Culture and Arts at the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, and his Excellency Mr. Piyush Srivastava, Ambassador of the Republic of India to the Kingdom of Bahrain, His Excellency Mr. Tawfeeq Ahmed Al Mansoor, Undersecretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Consular and Administrative Affairs, in addition to a number of people interested in the cultural aspects, along with the media.
H. E Shaikha Hala Bint Mohammed Al Khalifa said that the Culture Authority celebrates this occasion to emphasize the depth of cultural and human relations between Bahrain and India, which contributed to promoting a culture of openness in the Kingdom and created common ground between the peoples of the two friendly countries. H.E also pointed out that the BACA has prepared a diverse program for this occasion, such as "Little India" festive celebration, coming back again to the city of Manama. Indeed, this pioneering experience offers an opportunity to market-goers and visitors to enjoy a unique challenging taste of a historical city rich in various activities such as shopping, food and live music, in addition to offering tours and workshops suitable for all ages.
In addition, H.E Shaikha Hala shed light on the "Piece of the Month” displayed in the lobby of the Bahrain National Museum, showcasing poetry and ceramics discovered in the burial mounds of Dilmun archaeological sites, their main source being is the Indian region of Gujarat. These ceramics reflect the depth of the distinguished commercial relations that brought together Bahrain and India since the beginning of the second millennium BC.
H.E thanked all supporters of the events accompanying the celebration of the Golden Jubilee of diplomatic relations between Bahrain and India, and praised the contributions of the Bahraini Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of the Republic of India to the Kingdom of Bahrain, as well as sponsors and enthusiastic supporters of cultural work in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
His Excellency Ambassador, Mr. Piyush Srivastava, Ambassador of the Republic of India to the Kingdom of Bahrain, for his part, highlighted the depth of the political, commercial, educational and cultural relations that brought the two friendly countries together. His Excellency also praised the role played by the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain in strengthening these relations through the exchange of high-level official visits between the two friendly countries, lauding the huge economic investments between the two countries and joint cultural work.
For his part, Ambassador Tawfeeq Ahmed Al-Mansoor expressed his great happiness to participate in this special occasion to celebrate the golden jubilee of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two friendly countries, which reflects the depth of the historical relations existing between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Republic of India. His Excellency noted that for more than 5,000 years the two countries have enjoyed friendship ties, and joint bilateral cooperation since the time of the civilizations of Dilmun and Indus valley, noting his happiness that the Kingdom of Bahrain has welcomed the Indian community over the years, praising their skills, expertise, integrity, and tangible efforts and ability, which was clearly reflected in advancing the development process in the Kingdom. The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Consular and Administrative Affairs, Ambassador Tawfeeq Ahmed Al -Mansoor, also extended his sincere thanks and appreciation to the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities for the good organization of the celebration of the Golden Jubilee by planning amazing set of activities and programs that will be held in Bab Al Bahrain from 12 to 19 October 2021. Al-Mansoor also thanked BACA for its distinguished and strenuous efforts to enhance and boost the cultural and historical ties between the Kingdom of Bahrain and other friendly countries, wishing them success in the success of these events, and in consolidating and strengthening friendship and cooperation relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Republic of India and its friendly people in various fields.
The press conference revealed details of the scheduled cultural program to celebrate this occasion, where by the public in Bahrain will struck a rendez-vous with a mesmerizing variety of joyful entertainment, literary, musical and educational activities, kicking off on 12 October 2021 at 6:00 pm with the celebration of the Golden Jubilee of diplomatic relations between Bahrain and India in Bab Bahrain. On the same day, there will also witness the launch of the Little India Market near Bab Al Bahrain, in which various types of Bahraini and Indian activities will be carried out , including food, handicrafts, music shows, in addition to "Made in Bahrain" shop wonders to be displayed. Moreover, the 30th Bahrain International Music Festival edition, in celebration of the Golden Jubilee of diplomatic relations between Bahrain and India, features popular classical tunes by Indian artist Jaywant Naidu, accompanied by a group of creative musicians at the Cultural Hall on 12 & 13 October. Mr. Bob Thaker will also give a lecture on the commercial and trade relations between Bahrain and India on 13 October at the National Museum. On 15 October 2021, the interactive activities will start with a photography tour visit to Little India Market new Bab al-Bahrain, followed by Block printing on textiles Indian tradition workshop on 16 October. The closing event of these activities will feature a lecture on ‘The Diplomacy and Trade Relations between India and Bahrain” by Mr. Yousuf Salahuddin at Bahrain National Museum Lecture Hall on 17 October 2021.
The festive program celebrating the Golden Jubilee of Bahrain-India diplomacy is organized in cooperation with the Indian embassy in Bahrain, as well as the following cultural associations and societies: Maharashtra Cultural Society, Bahrain Odia Samaj, Telugu Kala Samithi, Kannada Sangha Bahrain and the Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam. Golden sponsors of the festive program include, Lulu Group International, RP Group of Companies, BKGH Holding, Thattai Hindu Merchants Community, VKL Holdings and Al Namal Group of Companies. Silver sponsors feature Bahrain India Society, State Bank of India, New India Assurance Bahrain and the Asian Paints Berger company.
