New Indian Ambassador to Korea Amit Kumar speaks during a press briefing introducing this year's Sarang Festival organized by the embassy at the Indian Cultural Center, Seoul, Thursday. Courtesy of the Embassy of India in Korea

By Kwon Mee-yoo

A festival full of Indian dance, music and art will be held throughout Korea from Sept. 30 through Oct. 14.

The Embassy of India in Korea announced that "Sarang ― the Festival of India in Republic of Korea" returns with a variety of festivities after a two-year hiatus amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

New Indian Ambassador to Korea Amit Kumar said how India and Korea share historical and cultural heritage such as the marriage of Princess Suriratna of Ayodhya and King Suro and the humanitarian support exchanged by India during the Korean War.

"In contemporary times, our two countries continue working on expanding relations in the areas of economy, culture, security, supply chains, energy and knowledge based on the shared vision of people, peace and prosperity on the bedrock of our relations," the ambassador said during a press briefing ahead of the festival, Thursday.

The ambassador also noted the celebrations for this year are organized as part of a series of events commemorating India's 75 years of independence.

"The word, 'sarang,' is very meaningful interpretation for both Koreans and Indians. 'Sarang' in Korean means 'love' and for us it refers to 'diversity representing the different colors of India,'" Ambassador Kumar said.

"Starting in 2015, Sarang has emerged as a prominent Indian cultural festival, introducing India's rich and diverse cultural heritage in Korea, and has since then grown in size, scope and popularity, showcasing India's rich civilizational legacy and cultural vibrancy… As a part of this festival, it is our endeavor to showcase the rich cultural diversity of India represented through various forms," he said.

The poster for "Sarang ― the Festival of India in Republic of Korea" / Courtesy of the Embassy of India in Korea

The festival offers 11 events in nine different locations, bringing the rich and diverse culture of India to Korea.

This year, the centerpiece of the festival is an Odissi dance troupe led by Kunjalata Mishra, an accomplished Odissi dancer and recipient of the Braj Ratna and Braj Gaurav Samman. Odissi is a type of classical Indian dance that is known for "touching on the human and the divine aspects of life in a subtle way."

Indian musicians Sunanda Sharma of Benaras Gharana will sing Indian songs, accompanied by traditional Indian musical instruments such as the tabla, harmonium, sarangi and tanpura.

The troupe will begin their performance in Hwaeom Temple, known to be established by Indian monk Yeongi, in Gurye, South Jeolla Province, Friday.

Other destinations of the troupe include: the Queen Heo Festival, the Busan Global Gathering Festival, the Lotte Tower in Seoul, the Cheongju National Museum, the Yeongdong Nangye Gukak Festival, Nami Island and the East Asian Citizenship Education Grand Festival.

On Oct. 4, a concert will be held at Centennial Hall, Yonsei University.

Mishra's troupe will present "Kirvani Pallavi," a form of Odissi dance which represents a flower blooming, and Oddis dance drama "Radha Rani Sange Nache," while Korean dancer Keun Beena and Indian dancer Sonali Roy will dance to K-pop, combining the Indian traditional dances of Odissi and Kathak.

Traditional Korean musicians Lee A-ram on daegeum (a large bamboo flute) and Hwang Min-wang on janggu (an hourglass-shaped drum) will play a medley of Indo-Korean fusion music with Indian musicians.

The embassy also plans to hold a film festival in November and a food festival early next year.