By IANS
New Delhi : Want a musical treat from eight different countries? Then a visit to the three-day musical extravaganza in the heart of the national capital in which bands from South Asian Association for Regional Association (Saarc) countries will be performing is an absolute must.
Fusion bands from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Maldives, Bhutan and Afghanistan will treat people to different flavours of music from Nov 30 to Dec 2 at the Central Park in Connaught Place.
Starting from 4 p.m. and continuing until late in the evening, each day of the festival will comprise a 60-90-minute performance by four to five bands.
While showcasing some of the biggest names in the Indian subcontinent, the festival will also be a great opportunity for some upcoming bands in the region to get exposure for their talent.
Among the Indian bands that will perform in the festival are Advaita, Midival Punditz and Indian Ocean of Delhi, Soulmate of Shillong, Rahul Dixit Project of Bangalore and the famous trio — Shankar, Ehsaan, Loy — of Mumbai.
Strings, the well-known fusion band from Pakistan that is very popular in India as well, will be performing along with Stigmata from Sri Lanka and the Norling Band from Bhutan.
Bangla Folk Fusion band and Miles from Bangladesh, Abhaya and the Steam Injuns from Nepal, Zero Degree Atoll from Maldives and the Aryan Band from Afghanistan will treat the audience to some soulful music as well.
The festival is a Saarc initiative, specifically aimed towards the youth of the subcontinent and bringing into limelight the youthful music of the region by the most talented and the best-known groups.
While entertaining the young people of Delhi, the festival will also present a platform for spreading awareness of the development of Saarc over the years amongst the youth and at the same time celebrate the unity and spirit of the Saarc countries.
The festival is conceived and designed by Sanjeev Bhargava, artistic director of the NGO Seher, in association with the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR) and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Entry will be free.