Namaste India receives overwhelming response in Tokyo

New Delhi, Sep 29 (UNI) As many as 100,000 Japanese people attended the two-day "Namaste India" programme organised in Tokyo from September 27.

Organised by Union Ministry of Tourism and inaugurated by Indian Ambassador to Japan H K Singh the programme included dance, music, theatre, workshops, exhibitions and Indian cuisine.

It is a concept which started as a small event showcasing India in Japan but has over the years grown into a mega-carnival that celebrates the very best of India in the heart of Japan.

Namaste India is a window to Indian culture and economy for the Japanese people - and is today one of the largest Indian festivals held overseas which celebrates Indian diversity and uniqueness through a vivid display of our culture, cuisine, entertainment and business.

The Raghu Dixit performance which was sponsored by the Indian Council of Cultural Relations was well appreciated by the audience, an official release said here today.

The Indian cuisine varying from Jalebis to Chole Bhature and Bhel Puri to Chilly Chicken were a hit and long queues could be seen at food stalls.

Incredible India branding was all over the exhibition grounds and ten Velo Taxis wrapped in images of India's Tourism products ferried visitors from the subway station to the venue free of cost.

The tour operators indicated that they had received various queries on the new packages launched in India as well as some confirmed bookings.

"The India Tourism stall was flocked throughout the day and the interest shown by the Japanese populace reflects that there will be an upward swing in tourist flow from this market," the release said.

UNI SH PK HT1535