The annual festival is jointly organized by the Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City, the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organizations (HUFO), and the Vietnam-India Friendship Association (VIFA).

The inaugural ceremony was held at the esteemed Hoa Binh Theater in District 10 of Ho Chi Minh City on Saturday. Distinguished luminaries, industry experts, eminent personalities, and individuals from both Vietnam and India graced the event with their presence.

Avika Gor – star actress of the popular Indian TV series Balika Vadhu – thanks her Vietnamese fans during the opening ceremony of Namaste Vietnam 2023 Festival, August 12, 2023. Photo: Duyen Phan / Tuoi Tre News

Avika Gor – star actress of the popular Indian TV series Balika Vadhu – thanks her Vietnamese fans during the opening ceremony of Namaste Vietnam 2023 Festival, August 12, 2023. Photo: Duyen Phan / Tuoi Tre News

Vietnamese singer Vo Ha Tram performs her latest hit ‘Ve Voi Em,’ which features Hindi verses, at the opening ceremony of Namaste Vietnam 2023 Festival, August 12, 2023. Photo: Duyen Phan / Tuoi Tre News

Vietnamese singer Vo Ha Tram performs her latest hit ‘Ve Voi Em,’ which features Hindi verses, at the opening ceremony of Namaste Vietnam 2023 Festival, August 12, 2023. Photo: Duyen Phan / Tuoi Tre News

Attendees had the opportunity to engage with prominent Indian artists, such as Avika Gor from the renowned Indian TV show Balika Vadhu, iconic actor and filmmaker Anupam Kher, and renowned pop star Alisha Chinoi.

The audience was delighted by a spectacular showcase of traditional Indian performances, featuring captivating Kuchipudi and Qwali dances, along with a remarkable Vietnam-India fashion show.

In his introductory statement, Madan Moha Sethi, the Consul General of India in Ho Chi Minh City, emphasized the shared characteristics of India and Vietnam in terms of their development stage and significant youthful populations, both yearning for improved opportunities in terms of work and quality of life.

Furthermore, he conveyed his optimistic anticipation for an enhanced bilateral relationship between our two nations in the future.

Madan Moha Sethi, Consul General of India in Ho Chi Minh City speaks at the opening ceremony of Namaste Vietnam 2023 Festival, August 12, 2023. Photo: Duyen Phan / Tuoi Tre News

Madan Moha Sethi, Consul General of India in Ho Chi Minh City speaks at the opening ceremony of Namaste Vietnam 2023 Festival, August 12, 2023. Photo: Duyen Phan / Tuoi Tre News

Ho Xuan Lam, standing vice-president of the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organizations, makes remarks at the opening ceremony of Namaste Vietnam 2023 Festival, August 12, 2023. Photo: Duyen Phan / Tuoi Tre News

Ho Xuan Lam, standing vice-president of the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organizations, makes remarks at the opening ceremony of Namaste Vietnam 2023 Festival, August 12, 2023. Photo: Duyen Phan / Tuoi Tre News

Additionally, Ho Xuan Lam, the esteemed standing vice-president of HUFO, highlighted the significance of the festival in showcasing and celebrating the rich Indian culture to the diverse population of Ho Chi Minh City.

“This event also presents an excellent opportunity to facilitate India in showcasing its strength through trade, tourism, and cultural promotion activities, in addition to engaging in fruitful business discussions on cooperation in railway construction,” expressed Lam.

Indian businesses can utilize this platform to connect with potential partners in Ho Chi Minh City, allowing them to find suitable collaborations.

The opening ceremony featured Indian traditional dances, such as the Kuchipudi dance shown here. Photo: Duyen Phan / Tuoi Tre News

The opening ceremony featured Indian traditional dances, such as the Kuchipudi dance shown here. Photo: Duyen Phan / Tuoi Tre News

The Namaste Vietnam 2023 Festival is scheduled to occur from August 12th to 15th in the cities of Ho Chi Minh City, Da Lat, Tuy Hoa, and Hanoi.

The main attraction of the festival is the Indian Film Festival, showcasing the highly anticipated world premiere of two major Indian films, along with the screening of five other acclaimed pictures.

The Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City has announced the organization of three seminars focusing on Vietnam-India collaboration in the fields of tourism, railways, and cinema.

Namaste Vietnam 2023 Festival Schedule

On the evening of August 12, we invite you to join us for the prestigious opening ceremony at the Hoa Binh Theater.

Galaxy Nguyen Du Cinema Film Festival

Date: August 13-15

On August 14th, a full day of seminars on Vietnam – India cooperation will be held at the renowned Rex Hotel.

On the evening of August 14, join us for India Night: a connecting event held at the luxurious Sofitel hotel. This event is the perfect opportunity to connect with individuals from various industries and backgrounds, while enjoying the exceptional amenities and ambiance of the Sofitel. Don’t miss out on this exciting evening of networking and cultural exchange.

Activities in Da Lat and Tuy Hoa are scheduled for August 16 and 17.

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