'Flavours of Bharat' - A Celebration of India's Heritage in Cyprus

The High Commission of India in Nicosia recently successfully hosted 'Flavours of Bharat', a vibrant cultural evening that showcased the richness, diversity, and timeless elegance of India's heritage.

Held on 29 March 2025 at the High Commission premises, the event brought together over 150 distinguished guests from the Government of Cyprus, diplomatic corps, business and academic sectors, media, and the Indian diaspora.

The event commenced with the ceremonial Lighting of the Lamp by High Commissioner Manish Manish, joined by Dr. Vasiliki Kassianidou, Deputy Minister of Culture; Marilena Raouna, Deputy Minister for European Affairs, Antonios Antoniou, Chairman of OEB, and Marios Tannousis, CEO of Invest Cyprus (all pictured above) - symbolising knowledge, unity, and the triumph of light over darkness.

In his inaugural address, the High Commissioner underscored the importance of cultural diplomacy and people-to-people exchanges in strengthening the historic ties between India and Cyprus. He described the evening as a "living journey through India's soul," brought alive through the five senses - the touch of intricate handwoven textiles, the scent of natural attars and incense, the taste of traditional Indian cuisine, the sound of classical rhythms, and the vibrant visual spectacle of India's crafts and colours.

High Commissioner Manish Manish and Dr. Vasiliki Kassianidou

Key highlights of the evening included:

Inauguration of the ODOP Wall – One District One Product (ODOP) initiative is a flagship program of the Government of India aimed at promoting unique, indigenous products from each district across the country. High Commissioner and Deputy Minister of Culture unveiled the ODOP Wall featuring India's unique district-based artisanal products, featuring crafts like Jaipur's Blue Pottery, Madhubani paintings, brassware from Moradabad, sandalwood carvings from Karnataka, Indian books and more.

Culinary Showcase – Guests enjoyed an authentic Indian spread including chole bhature, pani puri, dahi bhalla, ras malai, and mango lassi, curated by Soul Curry and Vama India. India's globally acclaimed single malts, Amrut Fusion and Indri-Trini, were prominently featured at the event, offering guests a distinguished tasting experience and showcasing India's rising stature in the world of premium spirits.

Tea & Ayurveda Pavilion – In partnership with Herbalista, guests experienced curated Indian teas and herbal infusions representing India's wellness traditions.

Textile & Fragrance Experience – From Banarasi silks to Kala cotton and the spiritual scents of Mitti Attar and temple incense, the showcase reflected the sustainable and sensory depth of Indian heritage.

Classical Dance Performances – Captivating renditions of Kathak and Mohiniyattam celebrated the expressive elegance of India's classical dance traditions. Certificates of Appreciation were presented to the performers by the High Commissioner and Deputy Minister of Culture.

High Commissioner Manish Manish and Marilena Raouna

As a mark of gratitude, the High Commissioner presented tokens of appreciation to key dignitaries, including Dr. Vasiliki Kassianidou, Marilena Raouna, Deputy Minister for European Affairs, and Mayor of Nicosia Charalambos Prountzos, reaffirming the strong cultural and diplomatic partnership between India and Cyprus.

'Flavours of Bharat' served as a meaningful platform for cross-cultural understanding, reaffirming India's enduring soft power and its commitment to fostering harmony through heritage, innovation, and global collaboration.