Saudis perform a traditional dance at the opening of the Saudi culture week in Indian capital New Delhi. — SPA NEW DELHI — Sugary dates, Arabic calligraphy, colorful contemporary art, henna designs and holy Zamzam water from Makkah are some of the exotic flavors from the Kingdom on display in the Indian capital this week. A week-long Saudi Arabia cultural showcase — one of the biggest ever in India — is being held from Sept. 27-Oct. 1 at the Lalit Kala Akademi, according to a report in the mass-circulated The Times of India newspaper. Presented by the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR), the festival is the first initiative of the cultural wing of the Ministry of External Affairs to build better people-to-people bridges between India and Saudi Arabia. In a touching gesture, visitors were offered Zamzam water in miniature jars by Saudis dressed in traditional robes. “The well dates back to the era of Prophet Abraham. It was ordained by God to spring forth at Makkah for the well-being of the people. In course of time, it disappeared and was resurrected before the birth of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The people and now the government of Saudi Arabia have cared for it down the ages. The government has mapped it and located its source feeds. The water is very, very clean…,” Imad Zamzami, whose family has traditionally cared for the well, said. “My grandfather and father have looked after the well before me,” Zamzami said. The ICCR this year inaugurated its overseas cell in Riyadh. An 88-member delegation of artists, performers, scholars and officials is representing the Kingdom in India. The week-long art exhibition has brought to India more than 150 heritage photographs, Arabic calligraphic art, digital art, multi-media art, paintings, sculpture, animation and comic book art. “Almost every household has an amateur or professional artist — and boasts of a work of art as accessory. Women can pursue arts provided they do not offend religious sensitivities. We cannot draw suggestive human figures,” Amal Mohammed Al-Zahirani, an artist and interior designer from Jeddah, said. Zahrani uses glue, varnish, antiques, acrylic and metal for her three-dimensional abstract art and sculptures. She estimated that the Kingdom had 200 women artists who have made a name for themselves. Saleh Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Meghaileth, Deputy Minister of International Culture Relations, leader of the Saudi delegation, said: “We hope to organize more such cultural festivals in India. We are talking to people in India — these relations will continue.”
