Namaste! A Fascinating Tourism Event: Discover India This Winter

"One can measure the depth of a well, but not the depths of the heart." I opened with a quote from an Indian proverb, which contains some of the wisdom and depth attributed to Indian culture.

India is a giant country, enormous in size and unique in its kind. The history of the Indian subcontinent and the culture that developed in this part of the world have deep roots that support a way of life, various beliefs, and a heritage passed down from generation to generation. The characteristics of Indian life are the result of life wisdom and an extraordinary spiritual approach to observing human reality. The opening proverb also emphasizes the ability of this people to look at things differently, and perhaps also to change or improve something in our way of thinking.

And to get to know, uncover, and explore India, we were invited to the beautiful and spacious Indian Cultural Center in Tel Aviv (ICC), which organized an impressive and well-invested event that connected the Israeli audience to India through culture, art, tourism, and culinary arts. The interesting evening was hosted with pleasantness and grace by Dorit Belaj - Public Relations Manager at the Indian Embassy in Israel. In her words: "Welcome to the Indian Cultural Center (ICC), your window to Indian culture and the meeting point between the two nations. I invite you on a wonderful journey to India, to get to know the culture, tradition, and art of India, and of course, tourism destinations." Dorit noted that the meeting's program was rich and diverse.

Dorit invited Sayali Narayan Mhatre - Director of the Indian Cultural Center in Israel, who greeted the event's attendees on behalf of the Cultural Center and the Indian Embassy, and invited the Israeli public to make use of the information the Cultural Center offers to those interested. The first lecturer was Danny Avrahami- a leading Israeli expert on travel to India and founder of the company 'Cosmic Optimism,' who presented the unique charm of South India—Karnataka and Kerala—and provided participants with professional and in-depth information on unique tourist routes, spiritual and cultural experiences, and ways to get to know India in a personal and comprehensive way.

Golan Lubenov - CEO of 'Yeadim – Cultural and Nature Tours,' presented the beauty of Rajasthan—the land of kings, colors, and adventures—emphasizing in-depth cultural and nature tours. Representatives of Air India - the manager in India, Rajesh Rangaswami and Anat Nener, Commercial Manager for Air India at the Israeli company Open Sky, then took the stage. The two presented travel and transportation options to India, provided important information and tips, and emphasized the accessibility and availability of India as a tourist destination.

And without culture and culinary arts, it would be impossible—the evening included authentic art performances highlighting Indian culture: classical Kathak performed by Pratibha Sharma, and Hindustani singing performed by Dr. Ishaan Dubey. Both arrived for this meeting directly from India and teach at the Indian Cultural Center in Israel. The event concluded with a Rajasthani and Kalbelia dance performed by Morni Gartner. And of course, we tasted food dishes as examples of the rich and characteristic culinary arts of India. Delicious.

This special and important event at the Indian Cultural Center in Tel Aviv provided participants with a rich and enriching experience, connected Israeli and Indian cultures, and promoted the opportunity to discover India as a unique and fascinating tourist destination.

I will conclude with another wise Indian proverb: "He who is diligent will not know hunger, he who thinks will not be a thief, he who stands on guard will not know fear, and he who knows when to speak and when to be silent at the right moment will not know strife." Thank you to the Indian Cultural Center for a fascinating cultural-tourist evening.

(Photo: Shosh Lahav)