Paris: From Odisha’s Pattachitra to Uttar Pradesh’s Banarasi weaving, the India House at Paris Olympics 2024—the first-ever such exclusive Indian facility at the Olympics—is showcasing the best of Indian art forms and culture to the world.
The initiative was conceived by the Reliance Foundation in collaboration with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). It features a Swadesh pavilion—an initiative by Nita Ambani’s Reliance Foundation—that showcases India’s rich heritage of textiles and handicrafts. Olympic enthusiasts can also savour chaat and enjoy ‘desi’ and Bollywood performances at the India House.
#WATCH | IOC member and CEO & Chairperson of Reliance Foundation, Nita Ambani gives us a glimpse of the first ever India House at the Olympics, bringing the spirit of India to Paris. pic.twitter.com/jxlTKEg3Dq
— ANI (@ANI) July 30, 2024
Craftsmen, specialising in art forms such as Banarasi weaving, Pattachitra, Sozni embroidery, and Blue Pottery, are showcasing India’s rich cultural tapestry at the facility. The pavilion also has painted plates, intricately woven rugs, tapestries, metalwork figurines, Jaipuri block printed bags, fabrics and more on display.
“The day is not far when India will be hosting the Olympic Games. May this be our collective resolve at the opening of the India House,” said Reliance Foundation chairperson, Nita Ambani, she was unanimously re-elected as a member of the International Olympic Committee from India this year.
It is envisioned as a symbol of India’s Olympic aspirations, she said. “We hope it becomes a home away from home for our athletes, a place where we honor them, salute them and celebrate their achievements,” she added, after inaugurating the facility recently.
