New Delhi, Oct 13 (IANS): The national capital is all set to host national and international artists for the ninth edition of Delhi International Arts Festival (DIAF) starting on Friday.

The fortnight long cultural carnival would be held at the Purana Quila to celebrate music, dance, theatre, films, art exhibitions and children’s events by troupes and artists from around the globe.

Organized by the Prasiddha Foundation, with the support from the Indian government, this entry to the festival would be free for the public.

The opening gala is expected be a visual treat with ‘Vande Mataram’ – a breathtaking multi-style dance production directed by dancer Prathibha Prahlad, the DIAF founder and festival directo.

This would be followed by a cross-cultural fusion between the ‘The Taiwan Bamboo Orchestra’ and Kerala's ‘Bamboo Symphony’.

Also at the festival are shows by musicians from Africa, the Middle East and Israel along with whirling dervish performers from Egypt.