India by the Bay

EVENT DESCRIPTION

India by the Bay is Hong Kong’s only annual, week-long celebration of Indian arts, culture and heritage. Each year, the festival brings the soul of India and its unique diversity to the city’s shores, with a curation featuring music, dance, theatre, cinema, literature, wellness, fashion and food. For nearly a decade, India by the Bay has served as a cultural bridge – engaging and entertaining the people of Hong Kong and fostering conversations and collaborations. The festival is co-presented by the Asia Society Hong Kong Center and is set to return from November 8 -12, 2024.

About the Theme: Connecting Through the Arts

In its ninth edition, India by the Bay is reaffirming its commitment to exploring the arts as a powerful conduit for connection. Through an array of conversations, holistic wellness sessions, performances blending global traditions, heritage cuisine and couture showcases – the festival demonstrates how the arts can foster a more interconnected world. A snapshot of our line-up for 2024 follows.

FRIDAY, NOV 8, 2024
A CONVERSATION: William Dalrymple on Empire: The Story of a World-Conquering Podcast
Multi-award-winning and bestselling historian William Dalrymple explores the stories, personalities and events that shaped the largest empires in history. In addition to his numerous books and accolades, Dalrymple is the co-host of Empire, the internationally acclaimed podcast that explores the roots, deeds, and legacies of the most notable empires to ever exist. His latest book, The Golden Road, published on September 5, is a revolutionary new history of the diffusion of Indian art, religions, technology, astronomy, music, dance, literature, mathematics and mythology, along a Golden Road that stretched from the Red Sea to the Pacific.

SATURDAY, NOV 9, 2024
WELLNESS: Heal by the Bay: Recharge, Revive & Restore
A series of events that nourish the body, mind and soul. We begin with morning chanting, pranayama and yoga with George Dovas, Director of the Iyengar Yoga Centre of Hong Kong, joined by Iyengar yoga instructor Devika Virmani. That’s followed by a discussion featuring Ramkumar Kutty, one of India’s most renowned practitioners of Ayurveda and Founder-Director of Punarnava Ayurveda, an institution committed to authentic Ayurveda for universal wellbeing. The panel also features Kavita Khosa, Founder and Creative Director of PUREARTH. The conversation will be moderated by Michala Sabnani, content director for SCMP’s Morning Studio and creator of the podcast, Equanimity.

SATURDAY, NOV 9, 2024
FOOD & FASHION: The Gala Dinner: Cuisine & Couture, A Floral Palette
Drawing from the rich history of cuisine and textile with the all-pervasive influence flowers have on Indian culture, two masters come together to create an unforgettable evening of food and fashion. Chef Ashish Bhasin reinterprets the food of India, serving up a feast with flavours that are familiar, yet unexpected. Meanwhile, at Raw Mango, designer Sanjay Garg draws from the colours, philosophies and cultures of India to create a unique voice, questioning place and perspectives through design. The evening begins at the Lippo Amphitheater with a fashion showcase by Raw Mango, putting the spotlight on India’s textile heritage. That will be followed by dinner curated by Chef Bhasin at the Jockey Club Hall.

SUNDAY, NOV 10, 2024
LITERATURE: Words on Water: Three Literary Sessions
Three literary sessions featuring acclaimed authors, in collaboration with the Hong Kong International Literary Festival. Writer, broadcaster, and researcher Arathi Prasad discusses her book, Silk: A History in Three Metamorphoses with Zuraidah Ibrahim, Executive Managing Editor, South China Morning Post. Author and historian John Zubrzycki delves into his book, Dethroned: The Downfall of India’s Princely States, in conversation with Fionnuala McHugh. And finally, writer and former diplomat Vikas Swarup explores his latest novel, The Girl with the Seven Lives, in conversation with Jim Hildebrandt, Partner, Investor Relations at Bain Capital Private Equity.

SUNDAY, NOV 10, 2024
SPOTLIGHT: The Queen of Indian Pop
Usha Uthup in conversation and song with Sanjoy K. Roy
The evergreen pop icon and Padma Shri award recipient Usha Uthup, known for her songs in over seventeen Indian and eight international languages, has captivated audiences for generations. In a conversation with Sanjoy K. Roy, she talks about what music means to her, and the passion and commitment that drives her. A fascinating sing-along recountal of a unique musical odyssey with a legend of our times.

MONDAY, NOV 11, 2024
MUSIC: A Symphony of Sound
Saxophonist George Brooks and pianist Utsav Lal fuse Indian classical music and American jazz with contemporary minimalism, crafting innovative new sounds. They are joined by special guests Yeung Ching Ho Grammy and Jorge Ramiro, who add the distinct tones of the guzheng and tabla. A captivating blend of improvisation and tradition, where diverse musical elements converge into a seamless, transcendent performance.

TUESDAY, NOV 12, 2024
DANCE: Kādal Kaḍal: Endless Love
This collaborative dance performance explores the intricate dynamics of the human need for acceptance and love, and the challenging decisions people make in pursuit of emotional fulfilment. The performance is choreographed, directed and presented by Bharatanatyam soloist Rukmini Vijayakumar, in collaboration with Cantonese opera performer Pui Yan (Eliza) Li. They are joined by percussionist Sunaad Anoor.