Namaste India as a concept is in its sixteenth year – and what started as a small event exhibiting India in Japan – has over the last three years under the aegis of India Center Foundation- grown into a mega-carnival, becoming a window of India’s socio- cultural and socio- economic combination in Japan.

This time Namaste India 2008　portrayed not only the rich essence of India drenched in its rich cultural heritage but also the carnival depicted the variant colors of modern India

Namaste India 2008 was a grand success with a massive response from both visitors and participants. Over two lakhs Japanese came to experience the beauty and variety of India’s culture, fashion, jewelry, textile, films, dance and music.

  This year the cultural extravaganza depicted the presence of celebrities’ like- Namaste India 2008 Cultural icon- Bollywood actress Vidya Malavade, the Ad Guru Prahlad Kakkar-at a special Tea Bar hosting a special tea tasting session created for the occasion and the Magician Ugesh Sarkar who enthralled the audience with his unbelievable magic tricks.

India Center hosted a Reception for its VIP guests from both the nations which comprises of policy makers, academicians, business leaders and opinion leaders. The Reception created a favorable environment for the groups to share their ideas and emotions, which can further add to the advancement of both the countries.

Classical dance recitals by Japanese performers Kimiko Maruhashi, Hiromo Maruhashi and Sachiyo Kobota Kaltatawa Ainu were the highlight of the programme on the second day.

Sonam Dubal’s ‘ Sanskar’ and Poonam Bhagat’s ‘Taika’ projected and promoted modern trends in Indian Fashion.

Kathak and dance performances by Bollywood dancers were the major attractions of the event.

India Center also took Namaste India 2008 as an opportunity to acquaint Japanese masses to its strong dynamic Communication initiative-Voice of India - a bilingual news and information magazine. The portal encompasses articles, news reports, commentaries, interviews and other features covering a wide range of subjects related to business, society, politics, economics, culture, sports, travel and education.

Namaste India 2008 also gave a space to India Center to showcase the economic development potential of the most fabulous and prosperous Indian state of Gujarat, which has always been a primary focus in the agenda of India Center towards nation building. Also Japanese masses were introduced to the Lakshadweep- a paradise on earth, making people aware about its mesmerizing beauty of the island and encouraging investment and tourism.

Visitors were also introduced to India’s best cuisines in all its regional varieties at the Indian Food stall- Little India. Apart from it there were thousand of people who adorned their hands with traditional henna patterns.

Japan and India have an unmarred history of cordial relations. It was “knowledge” which endowed the first link between the two nations: knowledge of philosophy, math, medicine and religion.

The 21^st Century once again realized the fact that it is knowledge and awareness about each other, which can bring India and Japan closer to each other once again. Namaste India is a "next step" to add to the process. It is a platform that allows people of India and Japan to interact and understand each other's rich culture. It is ultimately people to people dialogue that fosters confidence in the ability to work together and strengthen bi-lateral ties. India Center since 1996 has been constantly working towards creating better relations between India and Japan.

 Namaste India Is an effort to rope India and Japan into a strong string of friendship, mutual trust and partnership. India Center believes in “Stronger India, Stronger Japan & Stronger Japan, and Stronger India"…….. Namaste India is yet another step in giving shape to this conviction in reality.