(VNF) - An India-Vietnam art program was held on April 21st at Hanoi Opera House to kick start the celebration of “India-Vietnam Friendship Year” commemorating the 45^th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations, 10^th anniversary of Strategic Partnership between India and Vietnam and 25^th anniversary of establishment of ASEAN-India Dialogue Partnership.

Celebrations including a fusion dance performance of four classical Indian dances covering Kuchipudi, Bharatanatyam, Odissi and Kathak followed by a joint performance of Indian Army Symphony Band and Vietnam People’s Army Band.

Kuchipudi - classical Indian dance.

The dance troupe included five female artists T Reddi Lakshmi, Lipsa Satpathy, Shivalika Kataria and Tanya Saxena would be led by noted Kuchipudi Guru Mr. V. Jayarama Rao, who has been honoured with the Padmashree award, India’s fourth highest civilian reward. He was also the one who choreographed a fusion of four classical Indian dances.

The dance troupe will also perform in Ho Chi Minh City (April 22^nd at Opera House) and Da Nang City (April 25^th at Nguyen Hien Dinh Tuong Theatre).

The Indian Army Symphony Band was founded in 1990 with players from Army bands. Subsequently, to add variety to the music, Indian classical musical instruments like santoor, sitar and jaltarang were incorporated.

The band performs during the visit of numerous foreign dignitaries to India and during national ceremonial events like Republic Day, Independence Day and Beating the Retreat ceremony.

It has also participated in various military tattoos and music festivals in foreign countries, such as Russia, France, Italy, Sweden, Japan, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, Germany, Bhutan, and Nepal./.

Translated by Minh Phuong