Satyendra Pathak
Doha
Lulu Group, the region’s leading retail chain, on Saturday launched its highly anticipated ‘India Utsav 2025’ across all Lulu outlets in Qatar to celebratethe 75th anniversary of India’s Republic Day with a vibrant showcase of Indian culture, cuisine, and commerce.
The 10-day festival showcases an impressive array of Indian foods, spices, authentic cuisines, and traditional ethnic wear.
The festival’s inauguration ceremony was held at Lulu Hypermarket, D-Ring Road, graced by the presence of Ambassador of India to Qatar HE Vipul along with esteemed Qatari dignitaries, representatives of Indian community organisations, Lulu Group officials, and a large gathering of multicultural attendees. The Indian envoy lauded the event as a vibrant platform that highlights the growing ties between India and Qatar.
Speaking to mediapersons, the Indian ambassador underscored the significance of the occasion, stating, “It is a very important occasion for India. This is the 75th anniversary of our republic. Our constitution came into force on January 26, 1950, and in these seven and a half decades, India has achieved tremendous growth.
“One of the key aspects of Indian democracy was on full display in 2024 when we conducted the largest elections on the planet. On the economic front, India continues to be one of the fastest-growing large economies in the world. Our advancements in science and technology, space exploration, and the flourishing startup ecosystem are a testament to this progress.”
He also highlighted the strong and historic ties between India and Qatar, adding, “Our relations are deeply rooted in trade, investment, and cultural exchange. Businesses like Lulu exemplify this cooperation, playing a significant role in strengthening ties and promoting Indian products.”
The India Utsav festival is more than just a shopping experience—it is a cultural celebration. Lulu Hypermarkets have curated a wide selection of Indian-origin products, showcasing the richness and diversity of India’s culinary and manufacturing heritage.
Visitors can explore organic items, fresh fruits and vegetables, FMCG goods, kitchen essentials, and traditional Indian attire. Special emphasis has been placed on promoting millets, aligning with global initiatives to highlight their nutritional benefits. The festival features an exclusive corner dedicated to different types of millets and their versatile uses.
In addition, Lulu’s bakery section offers an array of millet-based products, while the hot food counters serve freshly prepared Indian delicacies. From flavorful biryanis and aromatic curries to popular street foods and traditional sweets, the culinary offerings provide a true taste of India.
The festival also serves as a platform to highlight India’s manufacturing and innovation excellence. Lulu Group regularly imports over 4,000 Indian-origin products, ranging from fast-moving consumer goods to private-label items, ensuring their availability throughout the year across its stores in the region.
As part of the celebrations, Lulu Hypermarkets have launched the much-awaited ‘Buy 2, Get 1 Free’ promotion, running from January 23 to February 5. This promotion covers a wide range of international fashion brands and household essentials, offering customers exceptional value and an enhanced shopping experience.
Highlighting the importance of such events in strengthening bilateral relations, the Indian envoy said, “Lulu is a shining example of India-Qatar cooperation. The number of Indian products available here and the role of an Indian business in integrating with the Qatari economy is a testament to our shared history and future.
“So with that, I congratulate LuLu for also doing these India workshops, they are a wonderful company, and they are going ahead and they are taking the name of both India and Qatar forward with their supermarkets”.
With its strong international presence and focus on cultural exchange, Lulu Group continues to set industry benchmarks through innovative promotions and events like India Utsav. The retail chain has consistently demonstrated its dedication to providing customers with high-quality products while celebrating the cultural diversity of its host countries.
India Utsav is a reflection of this commitment, offering a unique blend of tradition and modernity. By showcasing India’s culinary, cultural, and manufacturing excellence, Lulu Group not only enriches the shopping experience but also fosters a deeper understanding of India’s rich heritage among the local and expatriate communities in Qatar.
The vibrant atmosphere of India Utsav, combined with its impressive offerings, ensures that this year’s Republic Day celebrations are memorable for all who attend. The event serves as a reminder of the strong cultural bond between India and Qatar, brought to life through the sights, sounds, and flavors of India.
As the festival continues to attract visitors, it stands as a shining example of how retail initiatives can go beyond commerce to celebrate shared values and foster community spirit.
