G20 Summit: World leaders experienced India's musical heritage at dinner, this performance became the center of attraction

President Draupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the guests on a stage before the start of the dinner. The curtain behind the stage displayed the ancient Nalanda University of Bihar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Officials said India's heritage with its diversity was served on a platter to world leaders. Millet-based dishes were also specially added to the guests' menus. Sources said guests at the dinner were offered a variety of sweets, including 'Ghevar', a traditional dish eaten during the monsoon season in India.

"India showcased its diverse musical heritage to the world at the dinner hosted by the President. The group bringing together different styles of classical and contemporary music performed for the world leaders attending the G20 summit," a senior official said. " In fact, a group of instrumentalists bringing different styles of classical and contemporary music performed quite well during the event.

The main attraction in this program was the performance of the 'Gandharva Atodyam' group. He demonstrated 'Bharat Vadya Darshanam' i.e. the musical journey of India. Officials said it included musical instruments from across the country including Sursingar, Mohan Veena, Jal Tarang, Jodiya Pava, Dhangali, and Dilruba. During this period Hindustani, Carnatic, folk, and contemporary music were also performed.

The event was organized by the Sangeet Natak Akademi to celebrate the rich tapestry of the country's musical heritage. The performance began with Vilambit laya (slow tempo) compositions, followed by Madhya laya (medium fast tempo) compositions, ending with a few numbers of Druta laya (fast tempo). Officials had said that the musicians played the instruments in the traditional attire of their region.