London: A three-day celebration showcasing
the best of Gujarat ended in Leicester city of the UK on Sunday
with thousands enjoying the heady mix of music, dance, comedy
and food.
The `Village India and Experience Gujarat` festival
brought the state`s sights and sounds alive at the De Montfort
Hall in the town.
An Indian village was reconstructed in the gardens of the
De Montfort Hall, which also included a 35-feet high replica
model of the Taj Mahal.
Leading musicians and artistes from Gujarat and elsewhere
performed during the event, sections of which were supported
by the Gujarat government.
Artistes included British Asian performers such as
Panjabi MC, Jazzy B, Bobby Friction and the Bollywood Brass
Band.
There was devotional music from renowned singers Ashit
and Hema Desai accompanied by Aarti Munshi, Alap Desai, Dipale
Somaiya, Geeta Chauhanand and Hemant Chauhan.
Gujarati comedy included Aanand Tarang, featuring Archan
Trivedi and Haso Nahin To Mara Sam.
An international trade show, attended by more than 100
companies from across India, was held at the same time in the
neighbouring Victoria Park.
Bureau Report
