Andean music marks Bolivia’s Independence Day reception in Mehrauli

Bolivian charango player Luciel Izumi and zampoña player Fernando Jiménez performed at Bo Tai in Mehrauli on September 7, as Bolivia marked its 201st Independence Day in Delhi.

The reception opened with the national anthems of India and Bolivia. Diplomats, members of the Bolivian community in India and guests gathered at the venue, with the Qutub Minar in view.

Arlette Gabriela Bustamante Garcia, counsellor at the Embassy of the Plurinational State of Bolivia, spoke about Bolivia’s indigenous cultures, languages, textiles, festivals and food. She described those traditions as central to the country’s present-day identity, and drew parallels with India’s own cultural diversity and long-standing traditions.

Aman Puri, joint secretary for South America at the Ministry of External Affairs, said India and Bolivia had potential for further commercial, political and cultural interaction. He also said India was preparing to welcome Bolivia’s minister and vice minister for the BRICS summit.