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MBABANE – The Minister for Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, Bongani Nzima, has sent off a delegation of 10 members from the National Culture Troupe to represent the Kingdom in India.
The troupe is set to participate in the prestigious 39th edition of the Surajkund International Crafts Mela, a world-renowned cultural extravaganza held in Faridabad, Haryana.
This year’s landmark edition is scheduled to run from January 30 to February 19, 2026. The troupe has, over the past four years, represented the country. The ministry has selected a 10-member culture troupe from the regional arts centres.
During the send-off ceremony, Minister Nzima emphasised the importance of this trip, noting that the troupe serves as the cultural pulse of the nation and shows love and respect in India. He urged the members to be exemplary ambassadors, showcasing the authenticity of Eswatini’s heritage through dance, music and traditional attire.
“We urge the group to represent our nation, country and our people very well,” he said. He also appreciated the partnership the country has with the Indian community, encouraging the troupe to show respect in India to ensure that the ties remain strong.
The Surajkund Mela is recognised as the largest crafts fair in the world, attracting over a million visitors annually. The 2026 edition features Egypt as the Partner Nation and highlights the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Meghalaya as theme states.
Sriram, during the meeting, from the India house, expressed his excitement about the continued sponsorship India gives to the Eswatini troupe when they attend the festival, stating that they are looking forward to the performance from the Eswatini troupe.
He also showed appreciation for Sweet Sounds Choir’s rendition of the Indian national anthem.
The local delegation is composed of three Ingadla, three Sibhaca, three Lutsango and one performing artist who is a local Gospel musician, Sphiwo Ndoni. Ndoni is fresh from his win at the Mpumalanga Gospel music awards for the Best Song of the Year for his track, ‘Insindiso Iyangisebenzela’. These members are a wider representation of the local regional arts centres.
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The delegation heading to India was given a flag by the minister, he emphasised that they are to raise the flag high.