India By The Bay 2024
Connecting Through the Arts
November 8 to 12, 2024
India by the Bay is Hong Kong’s only annual, week-long celebration of Indian arts, culture and heritage. Each year, the festival brings the soul of India and its unique diversity to the city’s shores, with a curation featuring music, dance, theatre, cinema, literature, wellness, fashion and food. For nearly a decade, India by the Bay has served as a cultural bridge – engaging and entertaining the people of Hong Kong and fostering conversations and collaborations. The festival is co-presented by Teamwork Arts and the Asia Society Hong Kong Center. In its 9th edition, India by the Bay is reaffirming its commitment to exploring the arts as a powerful conduit for connection.
A CONVERSATION: William Dalrymple on Empire: The Story of a World-Conquering Podcast
Friday, November 8, 2024
[In-person] Hong Kong Jockey Club Hall, Asia Society Hong Kong Center
Multiple award-winning and bestselling historian William Dalrymple explores the stories, personalities and events that shaped the largest empires in history. In addition to his numerous books and accolades, Dalrymple is the co-host of Empire, the internationally acclaimed podcast that explores the roots, deeds, and legacies of the most notable empires to ever exist. His latest book, The Golden Road, published on September 5, 2024 is a revolutionary new history of the diffusion of Indian art, religions, technology, astronomy, music, dance, literature, mathematics and mythology, along a Golden Road that stretched from the Red Sea to the Pacific.
WELLNESS: Heal by the Bay: Recharge, Revive & Restore
Saturday, November 9, 2024
[In-person] Hong Kong Jockey Club Hall & Miller Theatre, Asia Society Hong Kong Center
A series of events that nourish the body, mind and soul. We begin with morning chanting, pranayama and yoga with George Dovas, Director of the Iyengar Yoga Centre of Hong Kong, joined by Iyengar yoga instructor Devika Virmani. That’s followed by a discussion featuring Ramkumar Kutty, one of India’s most renowned practitioners of Ayurveda and Founder-Director of Punarnava Ayurveda, an institution committed to authentic Ayurveda for universal wellbeing, as well as Kavita Khosa, Founder and Creative Director of PUREARTH. The conversation will be moderated by Michala Sabnani, content director for SCMP’s Morning Studio and creator of the podcast, Equanimity.
FOOD & FASHION: The Gala Dinner: Cuisine & Couture, A Floral Palette
Saturday, November 9, 2024
[In-person] Hong Kong Jockey Club Hall & Lippo Amphitheater, Asia Society Hong Kong Center
Drawing from the rich history of cuisine and textile with the all-pervasive influence that flowers have on Indian culture, two masters come together to create an unforgettable evening of fashion and food. Chef Ashish Bhasin reinterprets the food of India, serving up a feast with flavours that are familiar, yet unexpected. Meanwhile, at Raw Mango, designer Sanjay Garg draws from the colours, philosophies and cultures of India to create a unique voice, questioning place and perspectives through design.
The evening begins at the Lippo Amphitheater with a fashion showcase by Raw Mango, putting the spotlight on India's rich textile heritage. That will be followed by dinner curated by Chef Bhasin at the Jockey Club Hall.
LITERATURE: Words on Water: Three Literary Sessions
Sunday, November 10, 2024
[In-person] Miller Theater, Asia Society Hong Kong Center
Words on Water is being held in collaboration with the Hong Kong International Literary Festival
Three literary sessions featuring conversations with internationally acclaimed authors. Writer and former diplomat Vikas Swarup explores his latest novel, The Girl with the Seven Lives, in conversation with Jim Hildebrandt. Writer, broadcaster, and researcher Aarathi Prasad discusses her book, Silk: A History in Three Metamorphoses with the SCMP’s Zuraidah Ibrahim. And finally, author and historian John Zubrzycki talks about his book, Dethroned: The Downfall of India’s Princely States. He will be in conversation with Fionnuala McHugh.
SPOTLIGHT: The Queen of Indian Pop
Usha Uthup in conversation and song with Sanjoy K. Roy
Sunday, November 10, 2024
[In-person] Hong Kong Jockey Club Hall, Asia Society Hong Kong Center
The evergreen pop icon Usha Uthup, known for her songs in over seventeen Indian and eight international languages, has captivated audiences for generations. In a conversation with Sanjoy K. Roy, she talks about what music means to her and the passion and commitment that drives her. A fascinating sing-along recountal of a unique musical odyssey with a legend of our times.
MUSIC: A Symphony of Sound
George Brooks on the Saxophone and Utsav Lal on the Piano
Monday, November 11, 2024
[In-person] Hong Kong Jockey Club Hall, Asia Society Hong Kong Center
Saxophonist George Brooks and pianist Utsav Lal create dynamic new music drawing on the traditions of Indian classical music and American jazz, infused with the aesthetics of contemporary minimalism. This evening’s performance will feature composed and improvised material, derived from the traditional ragas (modes) and taals (rhythms) of Indian classical music. Brooks and Lal embark on a journey of musical fusion, weaving improvisation with tradition to create a musical tapestry that transcends borders.
Brooks and Lal will be joined by special guests Yeung Ching Ho Grammy and Jorge Ramiro to enhance their music with the unique sounds of the guzheng and the tabla.
DANCE: Kādal Kaḍal: Endless Love
Choreographed, directed and performed by Rukmini Vijayakumar. Presented in collaboration with Pui Yan (Eliza) Li. Joined by percussionist Sunaad Anoor.
Tuesday, November 12, 2024
[In-person] Hong Kong Jockey Club Hall, Asia Society Hong Kong Center
This collaborative performance explores the intricate dynamics of the human need for acceptance and love, as well as the challenging decisions people make in their pursuit of emotional fulfilment. This evening’s unique performance is choreographed, directed and performed by Bharatnatyam dancer Rukmini Vijayakumar, presented in collaboration with Cantonese opera performer Pui Yan (Eliza) Li. They are joined by percussionist Sunaad Anoor.
The views and opinions expressed are those of the speakers and participants and, unless expressly stated to the contrary, do not reflect the opinion, position or official policy of Asia Society Hong Kong, its members, or its committees. Asia Society Hong Kong does not endorse or approve, and assumes no responsibility for the content of the information presented