 Yes, friends, the Taj Mahal will be recreated in New York City when India Tourism is virtually planning to take over the Big Apple to celebrate Incredible India@60 festival during a four-day celebration beginning from September 23.
A sand sculpture replica of Taj Mahal will be recreated by internationally famous sand artist Sudharshan Patnaik, who is from my state Orissa of India, at the Port Authority Bus terminal in midtown Manhattan, which hosts over a million commuters daily.
Indian culture, music, dance, arts, food and fashion will linger at major Manhattan landmark locations such as world famous Lincoln Centre for Performing Arts, Bryant Park, New York Public Library, Pier Sixty, New York Metropolitan Library, South Street Seaport, Columbia University and Fifth Avenue during the tourism road show jointly organized by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture and Confederation of Indian Industry to coincide with the General Assembly of the United Nations.
The celebration has been conceptualized as a complete experience featuring the finest aspects of Indian art, culture, food and fashion, it is expected to capture the minds of global leaders by projecting the best of India during the UN General Assembly session. As more than 150 heads of state, prime ministers and foreign ministers from across the globe are expected to attend the opening of the UN General Assembly session.
The celebrations will also coincide with the mini Pravasi Bharatiya Divas ( NRI day), held for the first time outside India in New York. A delegation of Indian industrialists and businessmen besides politicians are expected to attend the conclave at Pier Sixty overlooking the Hudson River. The events lined up during the four-day festival include fashion shows by India's leading fashion designers; sarod recital, fusion music; Mumbai Masala, a Bollywood contemporary dances from Indian films; Indian fusion music etc and a choreographed dance music presentation from North Eastern states of India.
My friends who want to enjoy Indian food, there is a great news. Indian cuisine which is most sought after in the US will get a boost with the arrival of top chefs from India. The chefs will be at hand to prepare and serve an array of delicious authentic Indian dishes at Lincoln Centre for Performing Arts for the visitors. Indian restaurants in New York have been roped in to be a part of the celebrations by making them offer special menus and gifts to all their customers. There will be separate culinary demonstrations and food tasting events, Indian tea and coffee, spices and travel booths at South Street Seaport. Also, Indian handicrafts and handlooms will be showcased to the American audience. Most of the events are open to public.
The scale of this event reflects the importance of the US travel market to India. In 2006, US tourists made up 16 per cent of total tourist arrivals in India, second only to the United Kingdom. In the current year, the total number of US tourist arrivals is estimated to be over 850,000 that equates to a remarkable 19 per cent market share. Not only is the US one of the world's largest outbound market, but it's also the highest unit value realization and highest duration of stay per traveler in India. American tourists also have a preference for cultural and heritage tourism all of which makes India the perfect option for a great holiday. By hosting the event, India Tourism aims at focusing not merely on the American but the global traveler.
Friends in NewYork, and USA, PLEASE get ready for this occasion.
Is this information helpful, please share your views.
DR.B.SARAF Ph.D.
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