Antananarivo, Nov 15 (UNI) Culture Minister of Madagascar, prominent members of Indian communities, Ambassadors of several countries and other dignitaries joined in Indian Embassy to celebrate Deepawli, the festival of lights.
Presidents and prominent members of Indian communities (Hindu, Khoja, Ismaili, Bohra, Sunni), Ambassadors of several countries including Unites States, Russia, Japan, European Union, South Africa, UN country representatives and prominent Malagasy people joined Ambassador Abhay Kumar at his residence to celebrate Diwali in Antananarivo on 14th November in Madagascar.
This is the first time that Diwali was celebrated with participation of the high dignitaries in the Indian Ocean island which has over 20,000 members of Indian diaspora. The occasion was celebrated by members of all faiths including Hindus, Khojas, Bohras, Ismailis, Sunnis, Christians, among others showing the growing universal appeal of Diwali, the festival of victory of light over darkness, across the world.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister of Culture of Madagascar said, “ I would like to extend Deepawli greetings on behalf of the Government of Madagascar” and also thanked Ambassador Abhay Kumar for organising Deepawli celebrations in Antananarivo.
India’s Ambassador to Madagascar and Comoros, Abhay Kumar, said—“ Deepawali is an occasion to celebrate light over darkness, hope over despair and love over hatred. It is a festival that brings together people of all faiths and communities and unites humanity.”
A cultural group consisting of ITEC alumni performed Indian dance on the occasion.
In a separate event, the Hindu Samaj of Madagascar also organised a cultural programme at the newly built grand temple hall in Antananarivo which included dance performances by children, Garba by women among others.
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