MANAMA: Bab Al Bahrain was lit up in shades of the Indian tri-colour yesterday, as Bahrain and India commemorated 50 years of diplomatic relations, while the iconic Qutub Minar, a Unesco heritage site in New Delhi, was simultaneously lit up in red and white representing the Bahraini flag.
The lighting ceremony at the main entrance to the Manama Suq, which dates back to 1949, was followed by a march from the monument to the Heritage Shop led by the Bahrain Police Band and a performance by the Mohammed Bin Faris Band at the Little India Square.
Indian Ambassador Piyush Srivastava, Foreign Affairs Consular and Administrative Affairs Under-Secretary Tawfeeq Al Mansoor, Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca) president Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa and Baca director general of culture and arts Shaikha Hala bint Mohammed Al Khalifa inaugurated the festivities, highlighting the history of the Bahrain-India relationship which includes cultural and economic ties that have benefited both countries.
After the lighting of Bab Al Bahrain, Shaikha Mai, Shaikha Hala and Mr Srivastava walked to the Little India square in the Manama Suq, where they highlighted the deep historical ties between the two countries.
Mr Srivastava noted the history between Bahrain and India, which began even before official diplomatic ties were established – more than 200 years ago. The dignitaries also visited the Shri Krishna Hindu Temple, where they were updated on the renovations being undertaken at the temple.
The evening was part of ‘Little India in Bahrain’, a line-up of events marking the golden jubilee, and it was followed by a traditional folklore concert by Indian artist Jaywant Naidu at the Cultural Hall.
Mr Naidu will be performing another concert this evening, simultaneously marking the 50-year celebration and participating in the 30th Bahrain International Music Festival.
In addition, Thattai Hindu Merchants Community president Bob Thaker will present a lecture this evening at 7pm at the Bahrain National Museum, discussing the friendship between Bahrain and India. The event is open to green-shield-holders who are Covid-vaccinated or Covid-recovered.
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