By Chandan Singh | Page 3 News Worldwide | New Delhi
140 International Guests Celebrate India’s Cultural Heritage Through Music, Dance and Traditional Festivities
New Delhi: India’s cultural heritage and spirit of international friendship took centre stage as 140 foreign dignitaries and guests representing 73 nations came together for a grand celebration of Diwali at the High Commission of Sri Lanka in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi.
Organised by the Delhi Study Group (DSG), in collaboration with the High Commission of Sri Lanka, the event titled ‘Diwali with Diplomats – Reception Dinner’ was held on Wednesday, November 4, bringing together Ambassadors, High Commissioners and members of the diplomatic corps to celebrate India’s most cherished festival.
Indian Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, accompanied by his spouse, also graced the occasion.
The evening featured colourful cultural performances showcasing India’s diversity, including traditional Punjabi Bhangra, Rajasthan’s graceful Ghoomar and Gujarat’s energetic Garba, accompanied by vibrant Indian music. Diplomats dressed in their respective traditional national attire enthusiastically joined the celebrations, dancing and sharing the festive spirit.
A major highlight was the ceremonial lighting of 251 traditional earthen diyas, symbolising the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance and hope over despair. International guests also participated in lighting sparklers (phuljhadis) and traditional anar fountain fireworks, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Delhi Study Group President Dr Vijay Jolly warmly welcomed Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India H.E. Ms Mahishini Colonne by presenting her with a traditional shawl and bouquet.
Addressing the gathering, Ms Colonne expressed her appreciation to Dr Jolly and the DSG team for selecting the Sri Lanka High Commission as the venue for the unique international celebration. She said such cultural initiatives strengthened friendly relations between India and its neighbouring countries, particularly Sri Lanka, while promoting regional cooperation, mutual understanding and cultural exchanges.
Former Governor Dr Jagdish Mukhi and several prominent personalities attended the event, including Mrs Pinky Anand, Vijay Mehta, Mukesh Gupta, Bhupendra Kansal, Ashish Brahmbhatt, Yogesh Tandon, Gajendra Solanki, Dr Ashok Sharma, Mrs Shalu Kumari, Shubham Gupta, Miss Lubna Asif, Miss Himanshi Pandey, Heera Majoka, Naseem Khan, Balihar Singh, Dr Shipra and Vijendar Yadav, among others.
The programme received support from DSG Secretary Vikul Bansal, while Narendra Chawla, former Mayor of South Delhi, conducted the evening.
Adding a spiritual dimension to the celebrations, a distinguished team from The Art of Living Foundation, Bengaluru, representing Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, presented a special Spiritual Awakening programme. The presentation conveyed messages of inner peace, harmony, positivity and universal brotherhood.
Congratulatory messages from RSS Pracharak Indresh Kumar Ji and South Delhi Member of Parliament Ramvir Singh Bidhuri were also read out, conveying their greetings and best wishes for the successful event.
The celebrations concluded with a traditional Indian dinner, providing diplomats and guests an opportunity to interact, exchange festive greetings and strengthen personal and diplomatic bonds.
The ‘Diwali with Diplomats’ initiative highlighted the role of India’s festivals and cultural diplomacy in transcending geographical boundaries and bringing nations and communities closer through shared traditions, mutual respect, goodwill and people-to-people friendship.
