India has expressed commitment to nurturing its cultural ties with Nigeria.
Mr. Rachit Rawat, Head of Chancery, Indian High Commission in Lagos said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of the Diwali cultural performance by the Baba Gorekhnath Gotipua Dance Troupe from India.
Rawat described the performance by the dance troupe as a testament to the friendship and ties between India and Nigeria.
The performance was organized by the High Commission of India, in association with the Indian cultural association (ICA).
According to him, Gotipa', which means `single boy’, is a traditional dance form in the Indian state of Odisha, and is the precursor of the Odissi classical dance.
This, he said has been performed in Odisha for centuries by young boys, who dress as women to praise Lord Jagannath and Krishna.
“Diwali, the festival of lights and happiness, is being marked by Indians and friends across the globe.
“It also coincides with the harvest and new year celebrations, and is considered a festival of new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.
“We are happy it’s coming at a time like this, considering how challenging the last year was for us due to the COID-19 pandemic,” Rawat said.
Similarly, Chief Sanjay Jain, President, Indian Cultural Association (ICA), Lagos said that the Indian Council for Cultural Relations(ICCR) sent the troupe to Nigeria in an effort to boost bilateral relations.
He said that the troupe’s visit provided an important opportunity to celebrate with Nigerian friends and members of the Indian community.
According to him, the sights, sound and colours of the typical Odissi region come alive as the young dancers take the stage with their energetic “Toormonklindsively expressions.”
“Diwali is a festival of lights and happiness, and we have brought that here today to celebrate the gradual return to normal from the pandemic.
“The ICCR sent the troupe at the correct time, because the community members have been yearning to gather for such an experience,” Jain said. (NAN)
