By Honorary Reporter Ananya Arya from India
Photos = Ananya Arya

Ambassador to India Chang Jae-bok (third from right) attends the festival.

New Delhi, India, on Dec. 10 showed Korea's vibrant colors as the festival Rang de, Korea, a celebration of Korean culture, marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and India. Organized by the Korean Culture Centre (KCC) in India and hosted by the Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the event was held at Ansal Plaza in the Indian capital.

Hallyu fans perform K-pop cover dances.

For me, the pulsating heart of the festival was Experience Booth, which beckoned visitors to unlock the enchanting world of Korean culture through the beauty of cheongsachorong, a traditional lantern typically made by joining red and blue silk shades to represent yin and yang; the regal aura of jokduri (traditional woman's headpiece); samo (farmer musician's hat); bokjumeoni (traditional lucky pouch); and Hanbok (traditional clothing). This cultural journey transcended time and borders in allowing immersion into Korea's rich heritage.

A crescendo of performances followed by both established and rising stars. The stage saw the mesmerizing talents of the JI Art Troupe and fan excitement peaked with the appearance of X:IN, a K-pop girl group that brought the energy of the genre to the heart of India.

The musical lineup continued with Gwangtal, whose soul-stirring melodies resonated through the venue; Parchi Sharma, the grand prize winner of the vocal category of this year's All India K-pop Contest; and Outkasts, the winner of the competition's Delhi region with an electrifying dance performance.

The festival marked the 50th anniversary of Korean-Indian ties.

The festival offered more than just visuals and sounds; it was a sensory journey through the cultural landscapes of Korea and India. To add a touch of modern fun, specially crafted and limited edition face stickers were distributed, transforming the faces of attendees into celebratory canvases.

jihlee08@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.