RIYADH – The Embassy of India, Riyadh, marked India’s National Unity Day with a spectacular evening of cultural performances on October 31, 2025. The celebration was the highlight of Day Four of “Pravasi Parichay,” the Embassy’s flagship annual cultural festival.
The event, held at the Embassy Auditorium, commemorated the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Ambassador of India to Saudi Arabia, H.E. Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, delivered a commemorative address, highlighting Sardar Patel’s monumental vision and his role in India’s nation-building and unity. The Ambassador’s speech reinforced the festival’s core theme of “unity in diversity,” which was vibrantly reflected in the performances that followed.
Day Four featured a rich tapestry of performances from six Indian states: Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Goa, and Jammu & Kashmir. The showcase was organized in collaboration with various Indian diaspora associations, whose enthusiastic participation is a cornerstone of the festival.
Cultural highlights of the evening included:
- Tamil Nadu: A captivating showcase featuring a dynamic Classical Drum Performance, the traditional martial art of Silambam, graceful Bharatanatyam, and an energetic Folklore Kids Group Dance.
- Jammu & Kashmir: An elegant presentation of the traditional Kashmiri Rouf Dance, reflecting the region’s unique cultural beauty.
- Maharashtra: A festive and devotional series of acts including Ganesh Aaradhana, a song honoring Chatrapati Shivaji, a depiction of Dahi Handi, and the high-energy rhythms of Lavani and other folk dances.
- Goa: A vibrant performance of the Goan Kunbi Folk Dance, bringing the state’s coastal traditions to the stage.
- Telangana: A diverse and spirited lineup featuring the Mathuri and Gussadi folk dances, colorful representations of the Bonalu and Bathukamma festivals, a traditional Hyderabadi Marfa Baraat, and soulful Qawwali music.
- Andhra Pradesh: A reflection of the state’s deep-rooted artistic heritage through classical dance and traditional themes such as Gangamma, Arthanareeshwar, and Varaha.
“Pravasi Parichay,” now in its third edition, runs from October 28 to November 3, 2025. Alongside the stage performances, the festival features creative stalls set up by each participating state, offering visitors an immersive experience of India’s local traditions, cuisine, and art.
The festival continues with two more state-themed day programs on November 1 and 2. The grand finale, ‘Gita Mahotsav’, a special performance celebrating the inspirational epic ‘Bhagavad Gita’, will be held on November 3, 2025.
About Pravasi Parichay: Launched in 2023 by the Embassy of India, Riyadh, in partnership with Indian diaspora associations in Saudi Arabia, “Pravasi Parichay” is an annual cultural festival celebrating India’s diverse cultural heritage. The week-long event provides a platform for the Indian community to showcase classical dance, music, folk art, and culinary traditions from various Indian states.
