The 2018 India Spring Carnival wrapped up April 14 at Taipei Main Station, with nearly 1,000 participants taking part in the daylong event aimed at fostering cultural exchanges between Taiwan and the South Asian country, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
 
During an address as guest of honor at the event, MOFA Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu said Indian culture is becoming increasingly popular in Taiwan as evidenced by the popularity of the nation’s cuisines and films like “Dangal” and “Three Idiots.”
 
The second edition of the carnival is an outstanding platform for locals to better appreciate the rich cultural and historical heritage of India and learn more about their counterparts from the subcontinent, he added.
 
Wu also expressed deep appreciation for the efforts of Sridharan Madhusudhanan, director general of the India Taipei Association, in strengthening bilateral relations and praised him for completing the Dajia Mazu Holy Pilgrimage last year.
 
Commencing April 14 this year at Jennlann Temple in Taichung City’s Daija District, central Taiwan, the nine-day, 330-kilometer round-trip procession stops at seven temples located in Taichung, neighboring Changhua County, Yunlin County in western Taiwan and Chiayi County in southern Taiwan. The country is believed to be home to more than 10 million Mazu devotees worshipping statues of the deity in 510 temples.
 
In response, Madhusudhanan said people-to-people exchanges are an important element of Taiwan-India ties and this is reflected in the New Southbound Policy.
 
A central pillar in the government’s national development strategy, the New Southbound Policy seeks to enhance Taiwan’s agricultural, business, cultural, education, tourism and trade ties with the 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states, six South Asian countries, Australia and New Zealand.
 
Organized by ITA with support from Taipei City Government, the carnival featured performances of Bharatanatyam and Odissi classical dances, Himachali and Gujarati folk dances and Bollywood dances.
 
In addition, 22 stalls set up by Indian associations and communities in Taiwan showcased various aspects of the country’s culture and offered visitors the opportunity to don saris and turbans, as well as sample cuisines. (SFC-E)