“Little India in Bahrain” project to be launched on December 19
To celebrate and document the contribution of the Indian community to the history and progress of Bahrain as well as to boost cultural tourism in the Kingdom, a major project will be launched on December 19.
Named as “Little India in Bahrain,” the project is initiated and supported by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA). As part of the project, historical areas in Manama Souq will be beautified and made to be one of the top attractions in the country for Bahraini and expatriate residents as well as tourists from all over the world.
The launch event on December 19 will be attended BACA President Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, Minister of Foreign Affairs Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Foreign Minister of India, Sushma Swaraj, Indian Ambassador Alok Kumar Sinha, several Indian religious and community figures, invited guests as well as members of the public. Reem Al Zayani and Hashem Al Alawi are the as Assistant directors of the project.
Speaking to DT News, Little India in Bahrain Project Director Frances Stafford said that the project would highlight the cultural plurality that Bahrain chooses to celebrate. “This shows the plural society that is Bahrain, everyone is allowed to practise their religion, everyone works well with each other and lives together,” she said, adding: “The attractions at the site include the beautiful architecture of the historical houses and the traditional shops.”
“This project will give an account of the arrival of the first Indians into the Kingdom of Bahrain, the role they played in its growth, and their continuing influence here. The Indian community has contributed to Bahrain’s economy, its infrastructure, as well as its social and cultural history. Vintage photographs of the area will bring to life vital aspects of thi historic account.
This project will celebrate the great history and the enduring fruitful relationship between Bahrainis and Indians and show the continued commitment to strengthening these precious ties,” she elaborated.
Organisers of “Little India in Bahrain” said in a statement: “Our vision is to beautify and showcase one of the richest of the historical areas in Bahrain, the Indian Part of Souk Manama, via the “Little India in Bahrain” project. The main push is to recognise cultural tourism and its importance within Bahrain due to its exceptional archaeological wealth, historical past (such as pearling and the Muharraq and Manama Souk’s), intangible cultural heritage such as music and oral traditions and of course the contemporary culture which is supported in the visual and performing arts.”
“Our vision is to beautify and showcase one of the richest of these historical areas, the Indian part of Souk Manama, via the “Little India in Bahrain” Project on Al Hadrami Ave, which will also add to the platform aiming to push cultural tourism and cultural touristic activities in the country,” it added.
The project includes restoration and renovation works of some exterior buildings mainly located in Al Hamradi Avenue and Al Muatasim Avenue as well as the creation of a small public space in this area.
The public space will offer also the possibility of a place for gatherings, relaxation and even trade.
Photo Caption: Buildings also to be renovated
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