Culture

1.  India is known as the land of culture and tradition and is one of the oldest civilizations in the world. Its culture is rich and unique in its own ways.  There is hardly any culture in the world that is as varied and unique as India. The culture of India is the way of living of people in India where languages, religions, dance, music, architecture, food and customs differ from place to place. The South, North, and Northeast have their own distinct cultures.  Even though India has accepted the modern ways of living and people have improved their lifestyle, the traditions and values are still intact.

2.  There is great interest in Jordan for Indian art and culture, especially Bollywood films.  Bollywood actors like Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan are very popular in Jordan.

3.  Petra Development Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA) approached this Mission to promote Jordan as a location for shooting Indian films.  Given the good reputation of the Indian cinema and film production, the Authority has time and again shown keen interest in promoting tourism through the film production, at various locations in Jordan, displaying the natural and aesthetic features in Petra. 

4.  A 5-member delegation from PDTRA attended the India International Tourism Conclave (IIFTC) to promote Petra as possible location for shooting films and documentaries.  M/s. Petra Musketeers Film Services, a private enterprise has also shown interest in assisting Indian film industries in Jordan.  Indian film producers and directors often use locations in Jordan for shooting movies.  A song sequence from Bollywood movie “Krrish 3” was shot at various locations including Petra as also some shots for Indian TV serials.  PDTRA also expressed desire for enhancing direct exchanges and cooperation, especially twinning of Petra and Agra.

5.  The Cultural Exchange Programme for the year 2015-17 is in the final stages of preparation.   There are regular cultural exchanges, including the visits of performing troupes and exhibitions between the two countries which has helped to promote people to people cultural contacts.  At the invitation of ICCR a 12- member Jordanian Percussionist Band ‘Drum Jam’ visited India and participated at the ‘World Percussion Festival’ in New Delhi in November, 2014. 

6.  2015 is being celebrated as the 65th anniversary of Indo-Jordanian Diplomatic relations.  A number of cultural activities and exhibitions have been organized to mark the anniversary.

1. 27 January, 2015:  The opening ceremony of the 65th anniversary was inaugurated by a photo exhibition on high level visits between the two countries including King Hussein, King Abdullah and Prince Hassan’s visit to India and Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s visit to Jordan,. Simultaneously, an exhibition on Islamic Monuments of India, sponsored by Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) was held; a semi-classical Bharathnatyam dance was performed by Ms. Neeta Aswin; A book on ‘India and Jordan-towards progress and prosperity’ was launched and a 5-day Bollywood film festival also commenced.
2. 1st February, 2015: A Sari Exhibition, curated by Ms. Rta Kapur Chisti, ‘The Magic of Indian Weaves’ sponsored by ICCR was inaugurated by Her Royal Highness Princess Bint Talal;
3. 10-12 March, 2015: A 3-member Indian Santoor troupe led by Dr. Varsha Aggarwal visited and performed in Amman and Aqaba. The performance by Santoor Group was coincided with the Indian Food Festival at Grand Hyatt Amman and Kempinski Hotel in Aqaba.
4. 6-8 April, 2015: A 10-member Manipuri dance troupe led by Ms. Narmada Devi Khumanthem performed at Petra Visitors Centre. The event was inaugurated by H.E. Dr. Lana Mamkegh, Minister of Culture.
5. 25 April, 2015: A 6-member classical Indian ‘Kuchipudi’ dance group led by Ms. Sreelakshmy Kallungual Govardhan, sponsored by ‘Classic Fashion Apparel industry’ an Indian garment factory in Jordan visited Jordan and performed in Amman.
6. 30 April – 2 May, 2015: An ‘India Week in Aqaba’ was organised by the Embassy of India in collaboration with Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA).  During the week Ms. Sreelakshmy, visiting Kuchipudi dancer from India, performed at Movenpick Hotel and Prince Rashad Club. A photo exhibition of high level visits between India and Jordan and another on Islamic Monuments in India were displayed along with the screening of Bollywood movies.
7. 20-28 May, 2015: Jordan India Friendship Society organized a photo exhibition on high level bilateral exchanges of visits  and celebrations of National Day of Jordan at Jordan University;
8. 21 June, 2015: First International Yoga Day was organized by the Embassy of India under the patronage of HRH Princess Rym Ali and in collaboration with local yoga partners.  The event started with peaceful yoga march in the morning.  The main event, however, was held in the afternoon which was attended by the Jordanians and foreign diplomats.  The Chief Guests were HRH Princess Rym Ali and H.E. Mr. Akel Biltaji, Mayor of Amman.

7.  At the invitation of Jordanian Ministry of Culture, a 5-member Kathak dance troupe led by Ms. Prachee Shah, sponsored by ICCR, will be visiting Jordan to participate at the Jerash Festival in July, 2015.

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