Foreign Minister Joseph Wu (center)/Photo courtesy of CNA
Taipei, April 14 (CNA) A diverse array of gourmet food, lively music and dance performances from India were featured at the India Spring Carnival in Taipei on Saturday, introducing the South Asian country's rich culture to Taiwan.
Dancers wearing bright and colorful garments opened the annual carnival with performances of the Bharatanatyam classical dance, Rajasthan and Punjab folk dances and a Bollywood dance.
The one-day carnival, which took place in the lobby of the Taipei railway station, also showcased traditional Indian cuisine, snacks and spices, as well as accessories, bags, clothing and paintings.
Visitors were also able to experience wearing sarees, or India's traditional dresses for women, and tying turbans, or men's headwear.
Sridharan Madhusudhanan, director general of the India-Taipei Association, said Taiwan's New Southbound Policy and India's Act East Policy both focus on facilitating people-to-people exchanges, which led his association to organize the carnival.
"We want to encourage more Taiwanese friends to understand Indian culture, and similarly, we want more Indian people to understand Taiwanese culture," he told CNA.
Taiwan's Foreign Minister Joseph Wu, who also attended the carnival, said Indian culture, food and films are becoming increasingly popular in Taiwan.
Bollywood films such as "3 Idiots" and "Dangal" have become hits in Taiwan, showcasing India's diverse culture here, Wu said.
In addition to cultural exchanges, Taipei Deputy Mayor Chen Chin-jun said he hoped Taiwan and India could increase their collaboration in the areas of technology and trade.
