Dubai: A Dubai-based Indian gathered women of nine nationalities to dress up in traditional Indian attire to mark the Hindu festival of Janmashtami last week.
Ovilia Fernandes, 36, a chartered flight crew member and social worker, said the idea behind the photo-shoot was primarily to celebrate Indian culture, festivities and attire.
She said, “One of the most important Hindu festivals, Janmashtami marks the birth of Lord Krishna and is celebrated with a lot of gaiety in India. It is a very significant and colourful festival and is a perfect way to celebrate everything Indian. So I brought together women of nine different nationalities from Africa, Europe, the Philippines, Colombia and Singapore, all of whom donned the traditional lehenga cholis for a photo-shoot.”
The event was held in the Four Points by Sheraton in Bur Dubai with Pakistani make-up artist Naghma Aqeel doing the make-up for the women.
The outfits and jewellery were provided by Neerus and the photographs taken by Tony George.
Fernandes said she has long striven to promote the rich Indian culture among non-Indians. “When we talk of Indian festivals, people usually talk of Diwali, the festival of lights. I wanted to create greater awareness about Janmashtami too.”
