Astad will be backed on stage by 32 pung cholam drummers from Manipur in a signature style that comprises equal parts movement, rhythm, sound and spectacle. Astad's ongoing work with the pung cholam drummers of Manipur and his collaboration with guru Seityaban Singh of Shree Shree Natsankirtan, creates this work.
 
The first performance will be held on the morning of Nov 7th exclusively for the newly crowned king Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangahuk who at 29 years is the world's youngest reigning monarch. The performance will be watched by a high powered list of invitees including President Pratibha Patil, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and external affairs minister Pranab Mukherjee.
 
The performance is being seen as a cultural cementing of ties between the two countries that already share a good political rapport.
 
The celebrations which follow the actual coronation to be held the previous day, promise to be full of colour and spectacle attended by world leaders, the diplomatic corks and representatives of trade industry and tourism.
 
Astad Deboo's performance will be followed by evening shows on Nov 7th and 8th when he hopes to create a jugalbandhi with the Bhutanese performers.
 
His is the only Indian performance sponsored by the Indian government to be included as part of the overall coronation celebrations.

For more information: astaddeboo@hotmail.com