World Tourism Day was celebrated recently at the House of Commons focusing on the role of cultural tourism. The event was hosted by Bob Blackman MP, who in his opening speech emphasised on the significance of cultural diversity in Britain. Organised by Sanskruti Centre for Cultural Excellence, the evening had some rare tribal dances showcased for the first time ever on the UK soil.
Aligning with UK-India Year of Culture, peacock dance was presented symbolising beauty of nature and culture, as peacock is the national bird of India. Bagurumba dance (Assam), Pawara dance (Maharashtra), Gondu Gussadi and Lambadi dances (Telangana), Santhali (West Bengal), Hojagiri (Tripura) were presented on Indian theme, while Jheure dance (Nepal) and Kavadi & Kurathi (Tamil) were presented as part of South Asian theme.
Interesting speeches on various facets of cultural tourism were presented by Richard Nicholls, Head of Research and Forecasting-Visit Britain, Gangadhar Chilka, Assistant Director-India Tourism, Dr Dirisa Mulindwa, Program Head of Tourism and Hospitality programs at the University of Sunderland in London, Dr Govind Kanegaonkar and Dr Anil Nene from Maharashtra Mandal London and Ravi Bhanot, Chairperson for Diwali in London 2017.
Performers on the occasion were Suvarchala Madireddi, Chinu Kishore, Rashmi Lakhapate, Rajanikanth Tadinada, Karthika Kanne, Ahana Ghosh Sikka, Pritidipa Barua, Ragasudha Vinjamuri, Praju Gurung, Swathy Senthil, Anjale Gnanasampanthan and Swetha Senthil. The variety and vibrance of the program were greatly appreciated by the attendees.
Photo credits: Snapsmith C.K Naidu
