India's legendary band Parikrama thrilled the audience in the central province of Đắk Lắk on November 12. — Photo worldofmusicians.com

ĐẮK LẮK — A rock show by India's legendary band Parikrama thrilled the audience in the central province of Đắk Lắk on November 12, fostering cultural exchange, mutual understanding, and friendship between the Vietnamese and Indian people.

The event was co-hosted by the provincial People’s Committee, the Consulate General of India in HCM City and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).

Trần Hồng Tiến, Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said Vietnam–India relations have been growing stronger in recent years, with deepening ties across politics, economy, culture, education, and people-to-people exchanges.

The concert, he noted, was not only a vibrant music exchange but also an opportunity for local audience to enjoy modern rock music uniquely blended with classical instruments and contemporary flair.

Mahesh Chand Giri, Consul and Head of Chancery at the Consulate General of India in HCM City, highlighted ongoing special relationship with Đắk Lắk, especially in education. Two “India Corners” at Tây Nguyên University and Lương Văn Chánh High School offer invaluable insights into India’s culture, history, and educational resources. Several Indian students are studying medicine at Buôn Ma Thuột Medical University.

There remains ample potential for all-around cooperation between Đắk Lắk and India. The Consulate General, he said, looks forward to working closely with the province to boost trade and unlock opportunities.

Parikrama, a veteran Indian rock band, performed high-voltage covers of classics like Hotel California, Queen and Pink Floyd, blending hard rock with sitar, tabla, bamboo flute and Hindustani violin for an electrifying showcase of cross-cultural fusion.

Formed in 1991, Parikrama ranks among India’s longest-running and most respected rock bands, with more than 3,500 global shows at venues like the Kennedy Centre in the US, Download Festival and Brixton Academy.

Its Việt Nam tour, spanning November 7-13, included stops in Hà Nội, Hải Phòng and Đắk Lắk, marking another milestone in the enduring cultural partnership between the two nations. — VNA/VNS