Indian ambassador hosts traditional dance recital

By Meryem Goktas

ANKARA

As part of celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of India's independence, India’s ambassador to Turkey hosted a traditional dance recital in the capital Ankara on Tuesday.

Speaking at the opening of the recital, Rahul Kulshreshth welcomed the guests, saying that India's traditional Kathak dance is a major classical dance especially associated with northern India.

As part of an Indian tradition, Kulshreshth, his wife, and Abhishek Khichi, the troupe's lead dancer, lit a lamp onstage before the event started.

The ambassador said the Kathak dance, which means to tell a story, is associated with temples of ancient India and has a history of Muslim influences.

"Kathak also came to represent India's cultural pluralism and spiritualism," he added.

Kulshreshth thanked the Indian Culture Ministry for sponsoring the visit of the dance group and the Turkish State Theatres for providing the facility for the event.