India has donated solar rooftop systems to Sri Lanka, which will be used to lighten up the country's religious locations. The handing-over ceremony took place at four religious locations in Sri Lanka: Hokandara Temple, Sri Aanjaneyar Temple, St. Anthony’s Church, and Mutwal Jumma Mosque.
The ceremony was attended by the officials of the Indian High Commission in Colombo, the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), and the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority.
Under a $17 million grant from the government of India, rooftop solar plants are being built at 5,000 religious sites in 25 districts of Sri Lanka.
Solar rooftops are being installed in Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, and Christian places of worship.
The project is expected to be completed by 2025, and the government of India will provide five-year maintenance facilities for the installed rooftop solar plants.
The Project is expected to add 25 MW of solar capacity, generating approximately 37 million units annually.
It is expected to reduce energy costs for these institutions while bolstering Sri Lanka’s transition to clean energy.
The first Pravasi Parichay festival was held in Saudi Arabia to foster unity amongst the Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia while celebrating India’s diverse cultural heritage..
The Pravasi Parichay festival was organised by the Ministry of External Affairs Diaspora Engagement Division in partnership with the local indian association in Saudi Arabia.
Over 450 performers from 14 Indian states performed at the Pravasi Parichay festival.
Every participating state set up its own pavilion displaying its distinct culture, art, dance, cuisine, and traditions.
Various Indian dance forms, such as Punjab’s Bhangra, Kerala’s Mohiniyattam, Odissi from Odisha, Yakshagana from Karnataka, Gujarat’s Garba, and Maharashtra’s Lavani dance, were performed. Tamil Nadu’s traditional Parai and Bharatnatyam dance for Andhra Pradesh’s dramatic Mahishasur Mardini dance drama and Telangana’s vibrant Marfa and Lambada tribal dances captivated the audience.
Capital of Saudi Arabia - Riyadh
Currency: Saudi Riyal