TIRANA, Oct 7 : A corner of Albania’s presidential palace here was briefly transformed into an Indian royal court showcasing Rampur’s exquisite culinary heritage, traditional music and fashion as part of the first-ever festival of India to introduce the country’s rich culture to the Albanians.
The festival was organised last week by Albania’s Ministry of Economy, Culture and Innovation as the small Balkan country seeks to forge closer ties with India starting with people-to-people contact.
Other than the “royal dinner”, an exhibition offering a definitive view of India’s architectural journey after independence was also part of the “Mini Festival of India in Tirana”.
The brain behind the event was Dikshu Kukreja, the Honorary Consul General of Albania in India.
For the seven-course dinner, a chef and 28 kg of spices were flown in from India. The feast was attended by nearly 100 influential people, including politicians, businessmen and artists.
The dinner was hosted by Kazim Ali Khan, a descendant of the Rampur royal family.
“The royal kitchen of Rampur is not just a culinary heritage but a reflection of the soul of our culture. I am proud to see its revival in such a grand manner,” said Khan, a former member of the Legislative Assembly of Uttar Pradesh.
Khan said hosting the dinner in Albania was a challenge as they could not find the proper utensils in which the Indian food is usually cooked.
The traditional Rampuri food is usually very spicy, so it had to be modified by the chef to suit the taste buds of residents here. Another challenge was to find authentic ingredients to be used in the dishes.
“We have to do a lot of research and do a lot of work to make it a success,” he said.
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said the “magnificent event” symbolised the friendship between the two nations.
“It is a testament to how culture transcends borders, speaks across languages and unites us in ways that words alone often cannot. This evening is a celebration of that connection, a reflection of how shared experiences and heritage bring us closer as humans, no matter the distance between our lands,” he said in a video message.
Albania’s Minister of Economy, Culture and Innovation Blendi Gonxhja said the dinner “brings us closer not only to the tastes of Indian cuisine but also to the cultural richness that demonstrates how intertwined our cultures are—through our shared respect for traditions, history, and art.”
He said that the relationship between Albania and India goes far beyond geographic distance.
Kukreja said, “Rampur’s cultural legacy is a treasure trove of history, and it is an honour to showcase its rich culinary and artistic traditions through this unique platform”.
Music from the Rampur-Sahaswan Gharana, a prestigious musical tradition dating back to the 18th century, was played in the background, transporting guests to the royal courts of India.
A video giving glimpses of the traditions of the Royal of Rampur was played at the event. Khan himself turned into a model to give the audience an idea about the clothes worn by the Royals.
“We tried to include gastronomy, music and fashion in the event to give glimpses of Indian culture. It was not on a big scale, but the next time it would be bigger and better,” Khan said.
The event also featured traditional Albanian music and dance.
“I enjoyed the Indian food. I tasted the Indian food earlier too, but it is more authentic,” said Jetone, a media personality who attended the dinner.
The exhibition “An Odyssey of India’s Architecture” at the Polytechnic University of Tirana curated by the CP Kukreja Foundation for Design Excellence, provided an in-depth look at India’s architectural evolution over the past five decades.
Speaking on the occasion, Kukreja, an architect, said: “Indian architecture has always been a reflection of our rich cultural heritage, and at the same time, a testament to how we can adapt to future demands. This exhibition is a bridge between India’s past and future, and it’s an honour to share this journey with Albania.” ()PTI)
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