India by the Bay, Hong Kong’s vibrant cultural festival, returns this November with a lineup of music, dance, literature, wellness, and food to showcase India’s rich heritage. The festival, hosted at the Asia Society Hong Kong Center from November 8 to 12, is themed “Connecting Through the Arts,” a tradition it has upheld since its founding in 2015.
The legendary Usha Uthup, India’s queen of pop, returns to Hong Kong after her first performance in the city in 1978, where she surprised audiences by singing jazz in English while wearing a sari. Now 76, Uthup remains a powerhouse, performing in 17 Indian languages and eight foreign ones. She will participate in a special session on November 10, sharing stories and singing her favorite songs.
A highlight of this year’s program is the appearance of acclaimed historian William Dalrymple, who will present his new book The Golden Road, which explores India’s cultural contributions. Dalrymple’s talk, scheduled for November 9, will also discuss his popular podcast Empire, examining historical narratives often overshadowed by China’s Silk Road story.
The festival features a focus on wellness, with sessions dedicated to yoga, pranayama (breath work), and Ayurveda. Renowned yoga instructor George Dovas from the Iyengar Yoga Centre of Hong Kong will lead sessions, while Ayurveda expert Ramkumar Kutty will share insights on holistic health practices. These offerings aim to address mental well-being, an important theme in fast-paced Hong Kong, where stress and mental health issues are on the rise.
A celebration of Indian cuisine is also central to the festival. The “Cuisine & Couture: A Floral Palette” event on November 9 will showcase a fashion show by designer Sanjay Garg of Raw Mango, followed by a multi-course dinner curated by chef Ashish Bhasin, highlighting the flavors of India’s diverse culinary heritage.
The literary segment includes discussions with prominent authors such as Aarathi Prasad, John Zubrzycki, and Vikas Swarup, whose novel Q&A inspired the Oscar-winning film Slumdog Millionaire. They will share their latest works in collaboration with the Hong Kong International Literary Festival.
Musical performances will blend Indian classical traditions with global influences. Saxophonist George Brooks and pianist Utsav Lal will present a fusion of Indian classical music and American jazz, while a unique collaboration between Indian choreographer Rukmini Vijayakumar and Cantonese opera performer Pui Yan (Eliza) Li will close the festival on November 12 with a special dance performance called Kādal Kadal.
India by the Bay continues to foster cross-cultural exchange and offers a comprehensive look into the richness of Indian arts, beyond Bollywood, providing a window into the country’s deep cultural and historical roots.
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