The Embassy of India in Riyadh concluded the third edition of Pravasi Parichay 2025 with a grand presentation of “Gita Mahotsav – A Musical,” bringing together art, devotion, and philosophy to celebrate the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita.
The week-long cultural festival, which ran from October 28 to November 3, showcased India’s diverse cultural heritage through state-themed days featuring classical dance, music, folk art, and culinary traditions. The musical drama, performed by talented female students of Vaidehi Nritha Vidyalayam, Riyadh, brought alive the message of the Bhagavad Gita through music and dance.
The event commenced with a congratulatory video message from Minister of State for External Affairs Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh and was graced by Smt Pratibha Prahlad, Padma Shri and Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee.
Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador of India Dr Suhel Ajaz Khan said the Gita Mahotsav is “an endeavour to highlight the deep cultural and spiritual bonds that connect the Indian diaspora with India’s civilizational heritage, and to inspire reflection on the message of harmony, duty, and selfless action that the Gita embodies.” He noted that the celebration in Riyadh resonates with the spirit of the International Gita Mahotsav to be held later this month in Kurukshetra, Haryana.
The Pravasi Parichay series was launched by the Embassy in 2023 in partnership with Indian diaspora associations in Saudi Arabia to showcase India’s vibrant cultural traditions through community participation. Each edition has featured distinctive programs reflecting different aspects of Indian heritage.
The 2023 festival included a unique program conducted entirely in Sanskrit, which received special mention from the Prime Minister during his Mann Ki Baat address in November of that year.
The 2024 edition celebrated India’s linguistic diversity by highlighting all eleven classical languages recognised in the country. The festival has garnered enthusiastic participation from the Indian community in Saudi Arabia, with diaspora organisations playing a key role in organising performances and cultural engagements throughout the week-long celebration.
