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Hundreds gathered at the world-famous Old Spitalfields Market to enjoy a unique fusion of Eastern and Western cultures. Jeevanpran Swamibapa’s beloved students from Shree Muktajeevan Pipe Band, Shree Muktajeevan Dhol Academy and Shree Muktajeevan Dance Academy wowed the crowds in a series of music and dance performances to open the “East Festival”

The performances by the young talents of Shree Muktajeevan Academies enlivened Spitalfields Market with the rhythm of the traditional Dhol Drums, Scottish and Indian music from the bagpipes and a graceful display of devotional dance. For many of the participants, it was their first public performance, and by the divine grace of Lord Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa and Acharya Swamishree, the performances were meticulously executed to the delight and awe of the gathered audience. The finale to the event was a unique and spectacular fusion if East and West – Indian drums fused with Western bagpipe – perfectly representing the cultural diversity and harmony of London.

East is a six-day festival (Thursday 4 March to Tuesday 9 March), led by the Mayor of London, creating a sporting and cultural Commonwealth experience to tie in with Commonwealth Day on 8 March and the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games, which kick off in October 2010. The East Commonwealth Games (part of the East Festival) celebrate the range of communities living in East London and Delhi and the fact that the East London area will host a global sporting event, the London Olympic Games, in 2012.