On Friday 27th September, the doors of Porchester Hall opened for an unforgettable night—the first ever ‘Best of India’ cultural ball. Organised by the Platform for Indian Democracy, the event was a stunning celebration of Indian culture, art, and diversity, drawing in guests dressed in vibrant traditional Indian attire. This event promised an evening filled with rich performances, a culinary journey through India, ‘best dressed’ awards, a bhangra workshop and a powerful reminder of the nation’s cultural unity.
The ball kicked off with the debut of the Platform for Indian Democracy’s latest project, ‘Determined: Our Legacy as British Indians,’ a collaborative project with renowned exhibition curator, oral historian, and ethnomusicologist Rolf Killius. This 15-part film project highlights the significant impact of British Indians across various sectors and their enduring contributions to the UK's cultural and social landscape. Guests were treated to a special trailer of the project and a Q&A with Rolf Killius and the Platform’s Raul Lai.
Guests enjoyed a three-course meal that represented the vast culinary diversity of the Indian subcontinent. From mouth-watering daal to delicately spiced curries, the dishes reflected the many flavours and traditions that make up India’s diverse regions. Each course was carefully selected to offer guests a taste of India’s culinary heritage, bridging different parts of the subcontinent through food.
Over the course of the evening, the room came alive with mesmerising performances that embodied the deep-rooted traditions of Indian classical dance. Akademi, a leading South Asian dance organisation, presented artists who performed a stunning Kathak performance, where dancers glided across the stage, their intricate footwork and graceful movements accompanied by the rhythmic sound of ankle bells. Soon after, Hiten Mistry captivated the audience with his powerful Bharat Natyam performance, showcasing the ancient dance form with an intensity that held the room spellbound. The artistry of these performances highlighted the profound spiritual and cultural connections embedded within Indian dance forms.
As the evening progressed, the atmosphere shifted to a more contemporary beat. Apache Indian, the renowned musician known for blending reggae with urban Asian sounds, took to the stage and electrified the audience. His performance, a dynamic fusion of reggae and traditional Indian music, was a high-energy highlight of the night, reflecting the evolving nature of Indian culture and its influence across global music scenes. Apache Indian’s unique sound had the crowd on their feet, bringing an infectious energy to the event that perfectly balanced tradition and modernity.
The first-ever ‘Best of India’ cultural ball was more than just an evening of entertainment—it was a celebration of the rich, multifaceted identity of India. Held in the beautiful surroundings of Porchester Hall, the event was a perfect homage to India’s cultural depth, showcasing not only its artistic and culinary traditions but also the powerful message of unity in diversity that defines the nation.
As guests left the venue, there was a palpable sense of connection and pride, a testament to the success of the night. The ball had served as a vibrant bridge between tradition and modernity, a reminder of the beauty and strength that comes from embracing India’s vast cultural heritage. The event really proved the strength in diversity, with many of India’s breath-taking cultural wonders on display. It was a night that would linger in the memories of all who attended, a powerful celebration of India’s past, present, and future.
