To celebrate the 70th Anniversary of India’s Independence, Embassy of India in collaboration with Mr.Vinay Gupta, Managing Director of Gait-N-Grace organised “Alluring India 2017” – Aunique MAIDEN display of Indian Traditional & Fusion Fashion in Hungary. For the very FIRST TIME a Live Instagram & Facebook Coverage tookplace for an event organized by the Embassy.
The event was formally inaugurated at aglittering ceremony on the evening of 21st September by Ambassadorof India, Rahul Chhabra at the Bálna , Budapest . Dr. Peter Medgyessy, Former Prime Minister, Mr. Istvan Ijgyarto, Minister, Dr. Petra Pana, Deputy StateSecretary for External Economic Affairs, Dr. S ánd or Sipos, Director General of AsiaPacific Department, R. Gy örgy Habsburg, Ambassador atlarge and member of the Royal Hubsburg dynasty, Mayors of Several Cities, SeniorGovernment officials, Ambassadors from other Embassies, President of the HungarianFashion Association, top echelons of Corporate World, representatives ofHungarian print, audio visual media, editors of leading fashion publicationsand over 300 guests joined on the night of the event. If there is one word thatcan aptly describe the event, would definitely be ‘Enchanting’. The Fashion showfeatured the latest finely tailored Indian garments such as Silk Saris, embroideredLehengas and mermaid gowns with ruffles. The collection was more about Indian traditionalwear with a touch of contemporary ensemble.
The concept of the event was to create anenvironment of Indian ethos globally through a unique insight into collectionsof two eminent names in the bridal trousseau industry, Ms. Charu Parashar and Ms.Payal Keyal. This fashion show showcased a first-off collection namely “RegalSaree” & “Various Moods” byMs. Charu Parashar, “The Weaves from the Ghatsof Banaras” by Ms. Salma Sultan, and “ContemporarySari” & “Contemporary WeddingCocktail” collection by Ms. Payal Keyal.
Hungarian and diplomatic glitterati couldn’tstop raving about the lavish spread as they immersed themselves in the fashionshow sipping a delectable glass of Hungarianwine & Indian beer. The eventalso offered a plethora of Indiandelicacies. There was a display of rustic and authentic Indian curry buffetfrom several states, marinade chicken wings, aromatic biryani, accompanimentwith wide variety of Indian breads, palate refreshments and a traditionaldessert- Seviyan (vermicelli Kheer).
A glimpse of Indian culture was also showcased with a live demonstration of how a nine-yard Sari plead-by-plead wasdraped to perfection in different styles. The audience was mesmerized by thebeautifully crafted Indian outfit that could be portrayed as an acknowledgementof the skills & talent of Indian hand-weavers. The poem “ khoob ladi mardani, woh toh Jhansi wali ranithi” by Subhadra Kumari Chauhan, wasenacted to highlight the storyof Rani Laxmi Bai, who battled herfight to freedom despite being dressed in nine-yard long Langdar Sari. Withflowing spirits and free-wheeling conversations, the guests indeed enjoyed the fascinatingact by a Hungarian Mind Illusionist.
The venue, Bálna, is a historical brick buildingembraced in a metal-glass shell overlooking the city of Budapest & DanubeRiver, had a vibrant feel to it and complementing the ambience was soulful Indian music. The night wasindeed filled with a rich Indianheritage to say the least.