The Indian Chamber of Commerce in the Republic of Korea is hosting the 2014 Indian Ball in Seoul on Oct. 25.

This is the first time the ICCK has hosted the ball, which has been run by different groups in the Indian community here every year, although there was a hiatus last year. The 2012 ball drew 400 guests.

After a short performance of Korean music and dance, both traditional and modern, the program will feature Indian dances celebrating Diwali, the festival of lights, which will be celebrated in India on Oct. 23. 

This will be followed by folk songs and popular dances from Indian films, before a finale of popular Bollywood songs.

The Conrad Hotel has brought in two chefs from India to serve up an authentic four-course Indian meal, beginning with hors d’oeuvres representing the wide variety of dishes that originate from different parts of India.

An Indian DJ is also being flown in specially to recreate the sounds of an authentic Indian disco, with dancing continuing to the early morning.

In addition, there will be a raffle with prizes including tickets for return flights between Seoul and Mumbai, Seoul and New Delhi, and Hong Kong and New Delhi. Spa weekends and romantic dinners at many hotels and restaurants are also up for grabs.

The ball is offering ladies who would like to attend in Indian dress a choice of sari or salwar kameez. Proceeds from the sale of the dresses will go toward flood relief efforts in Kashmir.

Maudgal said that they had already raised about 100,000 rupees ($1,650) to help the flood victims.

“The floods have devastated the state of Jammu and Kashmir and affected a large number of people there,” said Maudgal. “Selling party clothes here in Seoul to ensure people got a chance to attend the ball in Indian clothes and using the proceeds to help people in Kashmir get back their lives seemed to be a great win-win idea.”

The event will run at the Conrad Hotel in Yeouido from 6 p.m.

Ticket are 175,000 won per person or 1.5 million won for a table for 10. For details on the event, or inquire about purchasing a sari or salwar kameez, or to purchase tickets go to www.indochamkorea.org or contact Yoo Jin-ah on 010-3009-1583.

By Paul Kerry (paulkerry@heraldcorp.com)