Our Bureau
Paris
The Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) will present a vibrant cultural experience at the India House during the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics (July 27th to August 11th, 2024). The celebration begins with the Opening Ceremony, featuring Bollywood star Shaan. The India House will offer exclusive experiences through artistic showcases, art exhibits, live performances, and more. This initiative marks the global debut of India’s rich cultural heritage, providing a unique opportunity for international audiences to experience Indian heritage. This endeavor aligns with Mrs. Nita M. Ambani’s lifelong vision of showcasing the best of India to the world.
The Paris Olympics are highly anticipated, marking the first Olympics with full-capacity crowds in eight years. The event will also feature India’s inaugural hospitality house, India House, conceptualized by Reliance Foundation in partnership with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). This house will celebrate India’s rich cultural and sporting heritage, highlighting its storied past, vibrant present, and promising future, while showcasing technological and digital advancements.
The programming at India House will include a mix of live music and dance performances, celebrations of Indian athletes’ victories and medal wins, fan watch parties, signature exhibitions, and various fan engagement activities.
Shaan, a renowned Bollywood singer, will perform alongside other artists, blending Indian classical music with global influences. The lineup includes sitarist and composer Tommy Khosla, JAWARI band, The Raghu Dixit Project, and Penn Masala, a South Asian a cappella group. These performances will showcase the fusion of traditional and modern sounds. Additionally, attendees can participate in Indian block printing workshops and learn from experts. The event will also feature dynamic displays of Mallakhamb, a unique Indian sport, performed by visually impaired athletes from Shree Samarth Vyayam Mandir. For relaxation, yoga workshops by Praveen Bisht and meditation sessions by Meditation with Heartfulness will be available.
India’s athletes will be celebrated for their victories and medal wins. Fans will have the chance to meet and greet sporting legends, interact with fellow enthusiasts, and join watch parties for big Indian games, creating unforgettable memories in a space dedicated to Indian sportsmanship. Additionally, there will be free Bollywood dance workshops, yoga workshops led by Praveen Bisht, and henna artistry by Veena Nagda, known for her work with Bollywood actors. The event will also feature sports experiences, including cricket nets, Indian sports like Mallakhamb, and an Olympic Games Zone with VR.
The center’s grand opening was marked by the debut of “The Great Indian Musical: Civilization to Nation,” a captivating theatrical production that takes audiences on a journey through India’s history.
