Doha [Qatar], August 16: Leading retail brand LuLu Hypermarket has launched "India Utsav 2026", a special festival commemorating India's 80th Independence Day and offering shoppers across Qatar an immersive celebration of the country's rich culture, cuisine, traditions and craftsmanship.
The celebrations were officially inaugurated at LuLu Hypermarket Al Gharafa by HE Sandeep Kumar, Charge d'Affaires at the Embassy of India in Qatar, and Dr Mohamed Althaf, Director and CSO of LuLu Group, in the presence of senior embassy officials, community leaders and representatives from various organisations, including the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC), Indian Community Benevolent Forum (ICBF), Indian Sports Centre (ISC) and Indian Business and Professionals Council (IBPC).
More than a retail festival, India Utsav is a celebration of the diversity and vibrancy of India-from the flavours of its many regions and the energy of its street food to its traditions, art and stories that connect generations. The festival also celebrates the warm and enduring cultural ties between India and Qatar, built on decades of friendship, cooperation and people-to-people exchange.
During India Utsav, customers can enjoy special offers and discounts on a wide range of Indian products, from fragrant spices and regional staples to fresh produce, traditional sweets and festive favourites. LuLu's India Utsav brings together the flavours of India under one roof, with specially curated displays, live hot-food counters serving regional dishes and popular street-food favourites, along with a vibrant selection of traditional and contemporary Indian ethnic wear for women, men and children.
The promotion also features a diverse range of millets and millet-based bakery products, along with freshly prepared Indian delicacies. From rich and aromatic biryanis to classic curries, popular street snacks and traditional sweets, shoppers can savour an authentic taste of India while exploring the country's rich culinary heritage.
During the festival, Qatar Post and India Post also launched PosTransfer, a new cross-border remittance service powered by India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
Speaking on the occasion, Sandeep Kumar said, "India's 80th Independence Day is a moment of great pride and an opportunity to reflect on our remarkable journey as a nation. As we look ahead, we have an ambitious vision set by our Honourable Prime Minister to transform India into a Viksit Bharat-a Developed India-by the time we celebrate 100 years of independence in 2047.
"This occasion is also a time to pay our respects to the freedom fighters and national heroes who made the supreme sacrifice for our independence, and to remember the visionary leaders whose foresight and dedication laid the foundation for modern India. From the early years of independence, India has grown into one of the world's largest and fastest-growing major economies."
Kumar said, "I would also like to appreciate and acknowledge LuLu Hypermarket for its continued support and valuable efforts in bringing the Indian community together and celebrating the spirit of India in Qatar. Such initiatives strengthen the bonds between our two countries and provide an important platform for the Indian community to come together and celebrate our shared heritage and values."
LuLu Group Director Dr Mohamed Althaf said, "LuLu has been participating in India Utsav for the last 25 years, and we are very happy to have played a role in these celebrations over the years. Whether it is India Utsav, the launch of India's digital payment solutions, or the annual Mango Festival, LuLu has always been proud to act as a bridge between Qatar and India. We are very pleased to play a small role in strengthening the strong and enduring relationship between the two countries.
"India has come a long way from primarily producing food for domestic consumption to becoming one of the world's leading food-producing and exporting nations. Blessed with vast geographical and climatic diversity, India produces an extraordinary variety of agricultural products. Despite global supply-chain challenges and severe weather events, India's food export sector has remained resilient, and the country continues to be a reliable partner in supporting Qatar's food security."
Althaf said, "For this year's festival, we are delighted to bring a wide selection of high-quality products from India to Qatar. The continued support and cooperation of both governments have helped maintain stable prices and ensure the smooth flow of essential products. We are confident about the future and remain committed to strengthening the food, cultural and economic ties between Indiaand Qatar."
Source: Qatar Tribune
