Namaste India is one of the biggest festivals of India held overseas. It is organised by India Center and others in the heart of Tokyo, showcasing the best of Indian culture, society and economy.

In the September 2006 edition of Namaste India, more than a 300,000 people came to Yoyogi Park to experience India at her colourful best. The main draw was the performances of Nishat Khan, acclaimed sitar maestro, Masako Ono’s virtuoso display of Odissi and Masako Sato’s graceful Kathak dance had the viewers spellbound.

Representing the vivid spectrum of Indian states and cultures, were a myriad performances. A traditional hunting dance by the Naga troupe, had the crowd joining in - an impromptu show of sheer Indo-Japanese camaraderie. The cool evening saw the gentle, mellow strains of Mohiniyattam and Bharathanatyam.

Not to be left out was India’s most popular entertainment export – the Bollywood dance performances. Japanese – young and old, boys and girls alike – swayed their heads, swung their hips, raised their hands, shouted in the air and stomped their feet at the rousing performances the Bollywood dance team.

Alongside these performances, were a host of stalls showcasing a variety of colorful handicrafts from across the Indian milieu. The Mehendi and Bindi stalls attracted long lines of girls and quite a few boys too, each curious to try the Indian “temporary” tattoo.

Traditional intricately carved wooden curios, delicate cottons and silks with natural Indian dyes – each a product of acclaimed National award-winning craftsmen had the visitors wondering at their exquisiteness. Many Japanese girls tried on Indian saris and salwars kameezes, while savoring variety of Indian food and sweets.