The India Japan Initiative and Ista Hotel organize a session on Diwali for the Sakuraki Japanese Women’s Association

Diwali, best known as the festival of lights is a celebration that brings together family and friends all over India. To spread the cheer and joy of one of India’s most popular festivals, the India Japan Initiative (IJI) along with Ista Hotel, today, organised a workshop on Diwali for the Sakuraki Japanese Women’s association at the Hotel. The session was organized in line with IJI’s objective to foster better understanding and relations between the people of India and Japan. IJI organizes several business and cultural workshops in Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore aimed at providing both communities an appreciation of each others business and cultural environments.
 
The session conducted by Mrs. Bhargavi Satyan concentrated on sharing with the ladies various concepts of Diwali, the rituals and customs associated with this elaborate festival. To offer a visual representation and to keep the session interactive, the ladies were also shown various pujas and rituals followed during Diwali. Simplified demonstrations of drawing colorful Rangolis, making paper lanterns, decorating diyas and floral torans were displayed where the ladies enthusiastically tried their hands to get a firsthand feel of this popular Indian festival
Commenting on the session, Geetanjali Kirloskar, Chairperson of the India Japan Initiative said, “Diwali is one of the most celebrated festivals in the country and the quintessence of the festival will always remain relevant. The session explained the significance of this festival to the ladies and helped create a deeper understanding of the festival and the culture of India. I believe such events are the best catalyst to offer the ladies an in-depth insight into the deep rooted essence of the Indian culture. IJI’s mandate is to promote cultural and business relationships between India and Japan. Events like this, create an appreciation of each other’s culture and value system.”

Vishvapreet Singh Cheema, Ista said “It is truly our pleasure to be associated with India Japan Initiative and I am looking forward for opportunities in the future to host events. To talk about Deepavali it is known as festival of lights and is celebrated across the country by one and all the festival signifies triumph of Good over evil. Deepavali marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana in the epic Ramayana.  At ISTA the festival is celebrated by offering special menus in our restaurants. A festive atmosphere is created in and around the hotel for everyone to indulge in this auspicious occasion.”

About Ista
“Ista, Bangalore’s youngest five star luxury hotel has been selected on the Conde’ Nast Traveler’s hot list of 2007 of the best new hotels in the world. Conde’ Nast Traveler used a variety of criterion like ambience, décor, accommodation and guest facilities, to list in the top new hotels of 2007. The hotel is modern and contemporary with 143 rooms and suites – each one of them an elegant statement of style and comfort.

Among the attractions of the hotel are two restaurants – Zaman and Lido – and a bar – Liquid-, which possesses its own distinctive character. Zaman is a fine dining restaurant showcasing authentic North Indian Awadhi cuisine; it has both an interactive kitchen as well as a private dining room that can accommodate ten guests.
 
On the other hand, Lido is a contemporary multi cuisine restaurant that offers a perfect blend of food and aesthetics.   Liquid is Bangalore’s first al fresco lounge bar where while sipping a long drink one can also choose from an eclectic selection of gourmet snacks and Cuban cigars . Liquid was voted “The Best Lounge Bar” by the Times of India Night Life Awards”

About The India Japan Initiative:
The India Japan Initiative from Kirloskar is an organization that aims at building enduring associations between the peoples, governments, businesses and cultures of India and Japan. As a non-profit organization, IJI strives to create and nurture stronger ties between India and Japan through exchanges of views, interests and learnings at various levels. 
 
The Kirloskar Group, which is one of India’s largest and oldest business houses, has a fulfilling and mutually rewarding association with Japanese businesses, and is now keen and willing to share its greater appreciation, deeper understanding and learnings.
 
Further, a select group of Charter members have joined to support the cause. They are Canon, Kirloskar Foundation, Motherson Sumi, Mitsui, Mitsubishi Corp, Marubeni India Pvt Ltd, Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt. Ltd, Toyota Kirloskar Auto parts, Kirloskar Toyoda Textile Machinery Pvt. Ltd, IFFCO TOKIO General Insurance Co. Ltd, Sony India Pvt. Ltd.