While rich in history, India has a relatively young population. Hong Kong’s relationship with the most populous country in the world can be traced back to the mid-19th century, with members of the Indian community in our city contributing to the establishment of local institutions such as The University of Hong Kong and Ruttonjee Hospital.

India is world-famous for its spices. In this episode, Ms Satwant Khanalia, Consul General of India in Hong Kong, will take our presenter Chris to taste a well-known national dish, biryani, and see how it is prepared, learning about her home country’s food culture in the process.

India is also a land of festivals, with the various mythological figures of its traditional religious tales playing a role in them. Meanwhile, a mythical beast can also be found in Hong Kong’s Hakka walled villages during festive occasions: the qilin (Chinese unicorn). Ms Khanalia and Chris will visit Liu Man Shek Tong Ancestral Hall, which has a history of over 200 years, and learn the qilin dance as well as how to make the qilin’s head used in this performance.

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think about Indian cinema? It is most likely the energetic, dynamic, and highly theatrical Bollywood dance.

Indian dance guru Uday Sathala has been living in Hong Kong for more than 15 years. In addition to teaching Indian dance classes, he also holds workshops at primary and secondary schools, as well as community centres, offering people from all walks of life the opportunity to learn this performing art while promoting the culture of his home.