High Commission of India

Port Louis

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PRESS RELEASE

Indian Food and Handicrafts Mela 2018

The Indian Food and Handicrafts Mela 2018, organized by the Indian High Commission Women's Association (IHCWA), was held on 5 May 2018 at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Indian Culture (IGCIC), Phoenix. The Mela was inaugurated by Mrs. Kobita Jugnauth, Spouse of the Hon'ble Prime Minister of the Republic of Mauritius, in the presence of Hon. Santi Bai Hanoomanjee, Speaker of the National Assembly, Lady Sarojini Jugnauth, Spouse of Hon'ble Minister Mentor, Hon. Leela Devi Dookun Luchoomun, Minister of Education, Human Resources and Scientific Research, and Mrs. Usha Canabady, Secretary for Foreign Affairs, together with Dr. Mrs. Surabhi Thakur, Spouse of the High Commissioner of India and President IHCWA. Over 5000 people visited the Mela during the day, including dignitaries such as Hon. Fazila Jeewa Daureeawoo, Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Outer Islands and Hon. Soolekha Jepaul Raddhoa, Mayor of Quatre Bornes.

The mela showcased the cultural diversity of India in its culinary delights, creativity of artisans, various art forms as well the diverse range of its textiles. Home made food including Hyderabadi Biryani, Aloo-Poori and Golgappa was served in eco-friendly disposable plates and Masala tea was served in Kulhad (clay pot). All proceeds from this event will be go for Charity. The IHCWA Mela was an effective platform for promoting people to people level connect between India and its diaspora and friends in Mauritius.

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Indian Food and Handicrafts Mela 2018: President Dr. (Mrs) Surabhi Thakur with Team IHCWA

Indian Food and Handicrafts Mela 2018:The Chief Guest, Mrs Kobita Jugnauth, Spouse of Hon. Prime Minister of Mauritius received by Dr. (Mrs) Surabhi Thakur, President IHCWA

Indian Food and Handicrafts Mela 2018: Opening Address by Dr. (Mrs) Surabhi Thakur, President, IHCWA

Indian Food and Handicrafts Mela 2018: Dignitaries enjoying the cultural programme. R to L: Dr (Mrs) Surabhi Thakur, President IHCWA, Mrs. Kobita Jugnauth, Spouse of Hon. Prime Minister of Mauritius, Mrs Santi Bai Hanoomanjee, Hon. Speaker of the National Assembly and Mrs Leela Devi Dookun Luchoomun, Hon. Minister of Education, Human Resource Development, Tertiary Education and Scientific Research

Indian Food and Handicrafts Mela 2018: Cultural Programme by students of IGCIC

Indian Food and Handicrafts Mela 2018: Inauguration of the stalls by the Chief Guest

Walk around the arts and handicraft stalls

Indian Food and Handicrafts Mela 2018: Walking around the food stalls put up by the ladies of IHCWA

Indian Food and Handicrafts Mela 2018: A Green Gift to the Chief Guest