‘Kala Amrit’ event organized by the Indian Consulate in Sao Paulo and Swami Vivekanand Cultural Centre at Embu das Artes in the Greater Sao Paulo region
Our Bureau
Sao Paulo, SP
A square paved with light-reddish stone slabs in the heart of a town known for cultural richness came alive with the tunes, beats and steps of Indian music and dances on May 6 (Saturday), 2023, as the Indian Consulate in Sao Paulo and Swami Vivekanand Cultural Centre (SVCC) hosted a day-long festival, called ‘Kala Amrit’, at the iconic venue in the Greater Sao Paulo region.
The day that showcased the richness of Indian culture at Embu das Artes, which is knowns as the Land of the Arts, began with the lighting of traditional lamp by Indian Consul General in Sao Paulo, Ms Manisha Swami, the SVCC director, Dr Jyoti Kiran Shukla, and local officials and dignitaries. In her address to the impressive gathering, which attracted a large number of Brazilians and tourists from other parts of the world, Consul General Manisha Swami spoke about the importance of the event in light of 75th anniversary of establishment of India-Brazil diplomatic relations being celebrated this year.
In her introductory remarks, Dr Shukla spoke of “Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam”, emphasizing on how the Indian cultural ethos of spiritual connect sees the whole world as one family.
After the speeches by Indian officials, the gathering was treated to a feast of the best of Indian culture: there was an Indian classical dance performance followed by a sitar and tabla presentation which was followed by poetry recitation and a special presentation called “Words and Strings”, with poetry flowing on the soft music coming from the musical instrument.
Then came a very unique performance with the municipal band playing the music and a group of dancers moving their steps in Indian dance forms. Interestingly, all the cultural items were presented by Brazilian artists –a good sign of how deeply Indian culture is appreciated in Brazil.
As no Indian event can be complete without a display of Bollywood music and dance, a group of dancers entertained the gathering with a non-stop dance performance on a medley of popular Hindi songs. Embu das Artes is a popular and busy cultural spot but it was the first time in its history that it has hosted such an eclectic mix of Indian music and dance styles which was enriched with a fusion of Brazilian and Indian forms.
Speaking at the event, Cultural Secretary of the city, Mr. Carlos Roberto, appreciated the initiative by the Indian Consulate and SVCC and said that cultural events like these should continue.
Though the town has existed for decades, it was only in the 1960s that the tradition of the Open Arts Fair began in this unique place in Brazil. Painters, artists, and artisans have elected the city as the landmark of the Brazilian culture. Now, the flavors of Indian culture have been added to the richness of this city.
