Enthralling cultural and traditional dance performances by exquisitely decorated Indonesian artists along with Sri Lanka’s captivating up and low country dancers organised by the Department of Cultural Affairs, astounded the audience who had visited the “Cultural and Charity Bazaar 2023” on Saturday, 2nd September 2023 at the premises of the Embassy of Indonesia in Colombo 7. Both expats and local visitors braved the rain to witness the joint Indonesian-Sri Lankan extravaganza. The event was successfully organised by the Embassy of Indonesia together with The Sri Lanka-Indonesia Friendship Association (SLIFA) from 3pm to 10pm.
The proceeds from the “Cultural and Charity Bazaar 2023” will go to charity and is the second year running that it has been held,following the success of the previous event in October 2022. Her Excellency Madam Dewi Gustina Tobing, Ambassador of Indonesia, Ms Marleena Laxana, President of SLIFA, and Ms. Aruni Wijewardane, the Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, were present at the colourful event. The “Cultural and Charity Bazaar 2023” offered an array of over 50 stalls displaying and selling a wide range of products from Indonesia and Sri Lanka which included Indonesian food, batik clothing, authentic noodles and sweetmeats,crafted shoes, and fancy and household items.
The “Cultural and Charity Bazaar 2023” event delighted both expat and local audiences of all ages with magnificent performances by the talented artistes showcasing traditional dances from different regions of Indonesia. Cultural dance performances included the Baris dance from Bali, the Tor Tor dance from North Sumatra and the Ratoeh Jaro dance from the Aceh region.
Sri Lanka’s very own Kandyan performers, drummers, fire dancers and low country dancers also added much excitement and glamour to the event with their spectacular performances. The family oriented “Cultural and Charity Bazaar 2023” provided much needed quality entertainment for those interested in the culture and traditions of Indonesia and also provided a platform to showcase local talent to the various expat communities in Colombo.
Article by Nelum Buddhadasa