Bonjour India 2022 A Grand Start with 100 + Events in 100 Days Across 19 Cities

Fair & Fest

Bonjour India, an artistic, cultural, educational, and literary festival, celebrates the partnership between India and France. An initiative by the Embassy of France and its cultural department Institut Français en Inde, along with the network of Alliances Françaises and the Consulates General of France, the festival is all set to delight the people of India with 120 curated and collaborative events across 19 cities this summer. The festival was inaugurated nationally by the Ambassador of France to India, H.E. Mr Emmanuel Lenain, at the Residence of France in New Delhi. The event was also graced by Mr Aymar de Liedekerke Beaufort, Head of Territory, India, and Head of Corporate and Institutional Banking (CIB), India, BNPN Paribas India, Ms. Swati Janu, Founder -Social Design Collaborative, and Mr Gaël de Kerguenec - Director of Alliance Française of Ahmedabad.

This year, Bonjour India's mascot is The Little Prince, from Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's book that embodies friendship. The Little Prince is one of the first books that comes to mind in India when people think of French literature. The world's most translated non-religious book, it has been translated into 13 Indian languages.

Bonjour India commenced with some exciting events, including the Trip to France, 1970 exhibit in Pune showcasing photographs of France from the 1970s captured by Mr Parmanand Dalwadi. S. Thala in Mumbai enthralled the audience with a dance performance by Annette Leday. Convergence in Ahmedabad displayed how French photographers perceived India since the invention of photography. Through A Twist of Fate in New Delhi's Lodhi Garden, children and adults were treated to a play enacted by giant colorful puppets. Other events that audiences enjoyed were Let's Dance! Film Festival, Rick-Show and Café-Cinema.