Press Release No. 47

19 July 2007

Odissi Dance and Sitar performance in Egypt from 1-6 August, 2007

The Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC), Embassy of India is organizing Odissi dance and Sitar performances by Kavita Dwibedi and Purbayan Chaterjee, respectively in Cairo (Al Qawmy Theatre, Maidan Ataba at 2000 hrs on 1 August), Ismaelia (Ismaelia Cultural Palace at 2000 hrs on 3 August), Fayoum (Fayoum Cultural Palace at 2000 hrs on 5 August) and   Alexandria (Anfoushi Cultural Palace at 2000 hrs on 6 August).

Odissi is one of the most graceful dance forms of India, tracing its origin to 2^nd century B.C. in the temples of East Indian state of Orissa. Kavita Dwibedi, one of the leading exponents of this classical dance, has a career spanning 17 years. She performed at prestigious venues in India and internationally.

Sitar is a plucked stringed instrument, predominantly used in Hindustani classical music of India. According to a legend this elegant instrument, which has been around for 700 years, was invented by Amir Khusro, a thirteenth century Sufi poet, musician, and scholar. A gifted Sitar player, Purbayan Chaterjee trained under leading Indian maestros. 

The visit of the Indian cultural troupe takes place under the aegis of the India-Egypt Cultural Exchange Programme and is supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Government of Arab Republic of Egypt and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, New Delhi.

For invitation cards and further details, please contact MACIC at 23, Talaat Harb Street, Downtown, Cairo, Tel: 2393 3396 / 2396 0071; Fax: 2393 6572; E-mail: macic@indembcairo.com

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