MUMBAI: With a kaleidoscope of pan-India sounds, myriad crafts and a culinary blend of cuisines from all over the country – ‘The Great Indian Golchakkar’ (The GIG), to be held here next month, will celebrate the gastronomical, artisanal and musical culture of modern India.

Curated by food group Gourmet Planet and the Ministry of Tourism’s Incredible India campaign, the three-day carnival will be held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium from 5 to 7 January.

The focus of the carnival, which will be spread out across 9 acres, is to celebrate the spirit of India.

Talking about it, Ambar Walia, partner and show runner, GIG carnival, told IANS: “The GIG is different from any other festivals, as it’s a carnival that by definition celebrates every aspect and facet of modern India.”

With over 30 performing acts from across the nation, catering to every kind of music --from Jazz and Blues to Ska, EDM, Electronica, Hindi Rock, Sufi and everything in between, the event will see ‘Coke Studio’ artistes take to the stage apart from The Karsh Kale Collective, Prateek Kuhad, Hamza & Mannu, Medieval Punditz and more.

In terms of crafts, there will be traditional natural perfumes of Kannauj, Rogan Art from Gujarat, Stone Pottery from Meghalaya, Jamdani work from Varanasi, Silver Filligree work from Orissa, Mask Making from Majuli, Leather craft from Pondicherry amongst a host of other things.

The GIG will also have a luxury crafts section emphasising on luxury Made-In-India brands that use traditional methodologies with a modern design aesthetic.

For the foodies, the event will offer varied regional foods of India.

And such a fest is only suited for present times when “We dine at the best fine-dining restaurants yet finish that meal with a drive to go eat a paan; we buy the choicest modern design items for our homes, yet find the same homes filled with traditional handicrafts and textiles... we enjoy our glass of red wine, yet still manage to visit the temples”, Walia said.

There will be something for everyone.

“Our musical line-up has been highlighted and kept in focus for university and college students, whilst our luxury zone with high-end eateries and luxury craft have been marketed towards those looking for an upmarket vibe.

“For others still, we have chosen to keep a fine balance of craft, culture and cuisine to highlight all aspects. Our expected demographic runs across the board from students, to young professionals and families with children. We hope that The Great Indian Golchakkar will be an experience for one and all,” Walia added.

(Source: IANS)