Jeddah Lights Up With Saudi-India Cultural Celebration
Jeddah: Jeddah hosted a vibrant celebration of Saudi-Indian friendship as around 3,000 people, Saudis and Indians alike, came together for the Saudi-India Festival Season 2, which was held on last Friday.
The event highlighted the deep cultural bonds between the two nations and the significant role Indian expatriates have played in the region.
The festival, organized by Goodwill Global Initiative (GGI) in collaboration with the Indian Consulate General, carried the theme “.5CM CORRIDOR,” representing 50 years of Indian migration to the Gulf.
At its peak, this was one of the world’s largest migration corridors, shaping communities and economies across the region.
Consul General of India in Jeddah Mr Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri, the chief guest, emphasized why this celebration matters. “People, participation, partnership, purpose, and prosperity are the five ideas at the heart of this festival,” he said in his keynote address.
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“When people connect and participate with a clear purpose, prosperity naturally follows. That’s the foundation of our strong partnership today.”
The festival was held at International Indian School Boys’ Campus in Al-Rehab and featured over 150 artists performing traditional Saudi and Indian dances and folk art.
The highlight came from Saatul Mamlaka, a 15-member Saudi folk troupe led by Fadi Saad Al-Hawsavi, which performed traditional Saudi art forms including Bahri, Mizmari, Khubaiti, Jazani, and Khutwa Janoubiya leaving audiences mesmerized.
Nearly 100 young performers showcased Indian cultural traditions through various traditional dance forms, oppana, Arabic dance, Sufi dance, and cinematic fusion performances. Choreographer Rahmath Muhammad Alungal coordinated most of these performances.
Singers Jamal Pasha, Mohammed Sikander Ali, Mumtaz Abdurahman, Sofiya Sunil, and Shifana Shaji captivated the crowd with their melodious performances.
The event also brought together prominent community and business leaders in the city. Hassan Cheruppa, president of Goodwill Global Initiative, presided over the opening session.
Speakers included Dr. Ashraf Amir (Saudi Indian Healthcare Forum), Dr. Reem Al-Madani (Effat University), Dr. Mohammad Imran (International Indian School Jeddah), Ahmed Alungal (Abeer Medical Group), and Rahim Pattarkadavan (RACO Group).
GGI General Secretary Ishaque Poondoli welcomed the gathering while Treasurer Jaleel Kannamangalam proposed a vote of thanks. Consul General Suri and Consul P&C and Head of Chancery IM Husain gave away mementos to the sponsors and performers of the event respectively.
