India celebrates national day in Bali

JAKARTA: Generally, foreign diplomatic missions hold receptions to celebrate their national days in the capital Jakarta, mostly in five-star hotels or at the ambassador's official residence.

In an apparent move to change this unofficial practice, the Indian Embassy in Jakarta has for the first time decided to hold its national day reception in Denpasar, Bali, on Monday.

India is celebrating its 59th Independence Day on Aug. 15, 2005.

However, the official flag-hoisting ceremony will be held at the residence of the Indian Ambassador, Hemant Krishan Singh, in Jakarta. The ambassador will read out a message from the President of India during the ceremony.

Though the real reason for the change is not known, the reception to celebrate the occasion of India's Independence Day will provide an opportunity for Balinese people to witness the celebrations.

"Actually, we opened our Indian Cultural Center in Denpasar in January 2005. This cultural center is co-hosting the function with the embassy and arranging a performance of Indian dances and a yoga demonstration," Indian Embassy minister T.S. Tirumurti told The Jakarta Post on Sunday. -- JP