(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) It is a Tuesday evening, a working day, yet one can see the crowd swell at the Global Village. It's no wonder, because the weather is pleasant for people to walk around. The venue is a melting pot of cultural identities, with the young and the old, those with special needs and from various nationalities, all gathering in a jovial mood to explore the newer aspects of the entertainment, family and shopping destination.
As we walk from the main entrance towards the Indian pavilion, it has a regal and awe-inspiring façade recognisable at a distance as the Indian flag flutters majestically on top. The exterior is a replica of the Victoria Terminus train station, more recently renamed the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in Mumbai. The structure showcases Victorian architecture and evokes the splendor of India's rich history.
According to the organisers, the massive replica of the station stands 11 metres high, covering a width of 81.8 metres. and a construction team was specially flown in from Kolkata to build the façade. They coordinated with the pavilion organiser, e4 Entertainment and local contractors, who worked to complete the structure in just about a month, a feat by itself. The result is truly a sight to behold and the structure stands out at the Global Village.
Ticket to Bollywood
Sunil Bhatia of e4 Entertainment explained that visitors to the India pavilion will get transported to a world of dreams and fantasy as they get on to the Bollywood Express, one of the most exciting and popular new ideas introduced this year.
"This is a visual extravaganza and a loving tribute to Bollywood. On the exterior it is designed in the form of a train engine and the interior is like a train compartment. The beautifully hand-painted carriage is jazzed up with film posters and fitting with the theme, has a ticket collector on board to welcome you on your Bollywood journey. Step inside, and the Bollywood era comes alive in an elaborate hall. Exhibits feature colourful posters and scenes from many popular Bollywood films along with life-sized cut-outs of famous actors and film stars. A film strip runs along the centre of the carriage floor and roof, providing a specially lit pathway as you take in the various sights," he said.
The posters offer a glimpse into the glamorous world of Indian films. Here is an opportunity to take pictures with your favourite celebrities, if that is your cup of tea. The whole idea is a fitting homage to India's film industry that has been entertaining people worldwide for over a century.
By 8pm, visitors take their seats at the cultural stage that hosts music and dance shows by a variety of performers from all over India, and from selected institutes in Dubai. The performing artistes showcase their skills and leave the crowd spellbound.
"The stage area has a seating capacity of 1,000 and routinely finds an audience exceeding the number. From Bhangra to Bharatnatyam, the entire spectrum of Indian cultural dance and entertainment can be experienced here," Mumzy Merchant, Director of e4 Entertainment, said.
"Keeping up with this year's pavilion theme, the stage backdrop is modelled after the Gateway of India, an iconic structure of Mumbai. Built on the city's waterfront, the Gateway of India provides a grand and majestic welcome to those entering India by sea. Similarly, the stage backdrop welcomes one and all to enjoy world-class entertainment at the pavilion," she said.
Art and crafts
Traditional Indian arts and crafts are also showcased at the pavilion with highly-talented craftsmen, who have been working for years to hone their skills - many of them inheriting the skills from their fathers - flown all the way from India.
A traditional Indian potter creates magic with clay, the way it has been done for generations. Some more obscure crafts that might not be known outside of India also get the opportunity to get displayed here. Among them are the art of making Bidriware, which originated in the state of Karnataka. Bidri artists etch intricate and beautiful designs onto metal vessels using a specially-designed stylus, transforming an ordinary cup or bowl into a work of art. Some of the other attractions at the Indian pavilion include seeing skilled weavers sit at their looms and weave exotic rugs (durries) by hand, giving visitors a chance to witness this ancient art. Durries are a form of thick woollen carpet often seen in Indian homes.
You can also find artists who write names and messages on grains of rice, creating personalised souvenirs to cherish forever.
From the Indian state Calcutta, Sailash Gupta, along with his wife Shalini, is participating at the Global Village for the first time and specialises in various hand embroideries to create new designs. He said he normally offered his creations to boutiques that specialise in designer wear but here he confesses: "Business is brisk here and I am enjoying the whole experience."
Other interesting artistes at the pavilion include portrait makers and henna artists. Traditional puppet shows and merry-go-rounds for children are but a few of the attractions that have been present year after year and help to keep up the momentum.
There are appropriately themed decorations as well, ringing in a festive atmosphere. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), the entire India pavilion has been illuminated with traditional handmade hanging lanterns, which are beautifully adorned, adding an authentic Indian aura to the ambience.
It is the largest 'Made in India' retail event held outside of India with retailers here selling everything from clothing to accessories for the home and gifts for family and friends. Some of the most sought-after items are the gorgeously designed Pashmina shawls and gutras, which have become hot favourites with shoppers in recent years.
Meanwhile, Dubai continues to live up to its name as 'City of Gold', with its leading jewellers including Atlas Jewellery, Joyalukkas and Sky Jewellery remaining the long-time participants at the Indian pavilion.
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