Music, Dance and Theatre Performances in the PIO International Festival 2024

The PIO International Festival 2024 was held from the 14th to the 16th of September at the vibrant grounds of SMK Vivekananda, Brickfields, Little India, Kuala Lumpur. Operating daily from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., the festival was a grand celebration of the artistic heritage of the People of Indian Origin (PIO) community.

This three-day extravaganza aimed to promote the diverse art forms of the PIO community and to encourage active participation from artistes and youth. The festival’s main stage came alive with spectacular performances, featuring a blend of classical traditions, folk arts, musicals, and modern theatrical expressions.

The festival showcased performances from a host of renowned institutions, including:

• Subraanjali Dance Theatre
• Datta Guru Natyalaya Academy
• Temple of Finest Art
• SBNA Performing Arts
• Mokshya Performing Arts Academy
• Sahaja Yoga Malaysia
• Maharashtra Mandal
• Gananaayaga
• Malaysian Bengalee Association
• Shree Sabtha Swara Arts
• Malaysia Yoga Wellness Association
• Power of Rhythm Arts
• Apsara Ram Gopal Ksyetra Academy

The Jeevan Das Teratali Dance Group, sponsored by the Indian Centre for Cultural Relations (ICCR) in New Delhi, delivered captivating Rajasthani folk dance performances. Their colourful and energetic acts added a touch of international flair, delighting the audience and highlighting the diversity of the PIO cultural spectrum.

Adding to the festival’s vibrancy were solo performances by talented artistes, including Locqshen, Akshara, Shivani, Akshita Mantry, Shreeya Das, and Moksha Mohanakrishnan. Their mesmerising acts were a testament to the artistic talent within the PIO community, leaving audiences enthralled.

The festival was co-organised by Laasya Arts, Sugam Karnatica, and Balsans Events & Production, with the aim of:

• Preserving cultural heritage: Showcasing traditional art forms and encouraging their continuation for future generations.
• Providing a platform: Enabling emerging artistes to shine on a grand stage.
• Strengthening bonds: Building connections within the PIO community and beyond.
• Encouraging youth participation: Sparking interest in the arts among younger generations.

With over 350 artistes performing across three days and more than 2,000 attendees, the festival was a resounding success. It celebrated the rich cultural legacy of the PIO community while fostering a deeper appreciation for classical and folk traditions.

The festival not only highlighted the diversity and vibrancy of the PIO cultural landscape but also served as a beacon of unity, attracting audiences from various communities. By inspiring broader interest in the arts, the PIO International Festival continues to play a pivotal role in preserving and promoting cultural heritage.

As a celebration of artistry and identity, the PIO International Festival 2024 reaffirmed its position as a cornerstone event in the cultural calendar of Malaysia’s Indian-origin community. Plans are already underway to make next year’s festival even more impactful and inclusive.