Among the highlights of the festival's second day was an Indian performance — a show that, as expected, proved an instant audience magnet.
India in Egypt’s cultural fabric
Dancers from the Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC) took the stage in the late afternoon to present a selection of India’s finest: Kathak, Garba, and Bollywood dance.
Known for its intricate footwork, expressive storytelling, and graceful spins, Kathak — one of India’s classical dance forms — has gradually found its way into Egypt’s cultural consciousness over the past years. Much credit for raising awareness of Kathak goes to India by the Nile festival, which, between 2013 and 2023, brought us countless creative forms — an ocean of gems — from this fascinating country.
Through India by the Nile, many Egyptians were introduced to the elegance of classical Indian dance forms like Manipuri, Odissi, Bharatanatyam, and Kathakali, and vibrant folk traditions such as Garba.
Meanwhile, ever-popular Bollywood performances reignited the decades-long Egyptian passion for this particular segment of Indian culture. Although the festival is no longer held, MACIC continues to spotlight Indian heritage through workshops, classes, performances, and cultural collaborations across Egypt.
In this context, when MACIC dancers took the stage, they stood before an audience increasingly familiar with Indian artistic traditions.
For those encountering Kathak for the first time, the dazzling costumes, hypnotic footwork, and intricate rhythms offered an immediate and irresistible enchantment, captivating the senses and stirring the imagination.
Between Kathak segments, the dancers also performed Bollywood routines. Bollywood's vibrant energy, cinematic flair, and emotionally charged storytelling continue to find a strong fan base in Egypt—the same audience loyally follows Bollywood through its film industry.
“In our performances inside and outside MACIC, we often present a bit of everything, different art forms from India,” commented Ambrij Sarkar, a teacher in culture (TIC) at MACIC who led the group during the Tahrir performance.
For the past three years, Sarkar has taught Kathak, folkloric dances, singing, saree and dupatta draping, even painting and embroidery at MACIC.
“In other words, I help people explore Indian culture,” he smiles.
The Tahrir performance, accompanied by recorded music, featured Sarkar alongside six female performers, some newly connected to MACIC and others with years of experience and artistic growth.
“Our group is much bigger at MACIC, but we do not always incorporate everyone. Still, some shows might see 9 and 10 artists,” Sakrar comments on the frequent performances held by the group.
The day also included a short workshop for the audience gathered in the AUC Tahrir Garden, adding a lively and interactive element to the event.
The workshop focused on Garba and Dandiya, a dance performed with sticks. The infectious rhythms and vibrant moves that filled the garden were a joyful reminder of how deeply Indian art is woven into Egypt’s cultural fabric.
AUC Tahrir CultureFest continues
The highly photogenic Indian dances were just one segment of the ongoing AUC Tahrir CultureFest.
The programme also featured two performances by the Cairo American College Varsity Dance Team and a cross-cultural collaboration by Nadya Shanab (Egypt) and Fadhilee Itulya (Kenya).
According to the AUC press release, the concert, titled Cairobia: Music Beyond Borders, blended Afro-Egyptian influences with rich global sounds, enhanced by Bouda Yazeed's dynamic percussion.
Bridging cultures through diverse musical heritages, the performance was a signature event celebrating Cairo as a global city.
Elsewhere, families enjoyed a theatrical show by Sitara Theatre, bringing to life stories from Cairo’s past through African and Mediterranean dance.
Filled with children, the AUC’s garden offered various activities for the youngest festival-goers: face painting, pottery-making, storytelling, and more.
Meanwhile, parents could benefit from yoga classes held inside the university buildings.
The day also had an academic note, with panel discussions tackling issues relevant across generations.
One panel, Reflections on the Nile: Sustainability, Innovation, and Action, addressed the threat of plastic pollution and explored how education, technology, and entrepreneurship can support water conservation.
In another session, Egyptian Startups Going Global, entrepreneurs and investors discussed their experiences in international expansion and how Egypt can act as a springboard into global markets.
Far from the AUC Tahrir building, a group of students participated in a kayaking activity on the Nile, an experience that, as the press release states, "combines adventure with environmental awareness."
------
The second edition of the American University in Cairo's AUC Tahrir CultureFest will be held from 10 to 12 April at the Tahrir Cultural Centre.
Some events require prior registration and some ticket purchases. Check the festival's Facebook page for more information.
Ahram Online and Al-Ahram Weekly are media sponsors of the AUC Tahrir CultureFest.
Short link: