*The message on the stage reads like,
"Cheer Up Kumamoto, Earthquakes Won't Defeat Us."
It was charity event to support the people affected by Kyushu Quakes
hit Kumamoto and Oita earlier this month. 

My morning started by orchestra version of Jana Gana Mana, India's national anthem, played along with other countries' including Peru, Kenya, Srilanka, Sweden, at the venue of Global Village 2016. Global Village is held on 29th April, 1st, and 2nd May this year, which is one of the Golden Week (serial national holidays form a week or sometimes ten-day long vacation in every Spring in Japan) annual events in Fukuoka.

I am back in Fukuoka since last week and have been waiting for this event, because my friend Ayumi was going to perform Odissi on the stage. As Fukuoka weather seemed to return to the colder side as if early Spring or late Winter had revived since yesterday, I was concerned if the temperature would be warmer side today for my friend's best performance. I think the God listen to our prayer; I believe today's Fukuoka weather was more than pleasant and more than perfect for anyone to dance!

It was my first experience seeing Indian traditional dance in Japan. Yet, I could feel the pure heart and soul from my friend's every move and expression; I felt like I was watching an Indian girl dancing! My mother came with me to the venue was also highly overwhelmed by her incredible performance. Moreover, when my friend took off her makeup and came back to us, my mother was impressed by her pureness, and that was why the dance was so touching to her heart. 

Soon after enjoying my friend's Odissi performance, we left the venue, but apparently many other interesting people were on the stage after that. There are some multicultural food stalls and a mini bazaar selling exotic goods from around the world. If you are in Fukuoka, it's worth checking it out.