Africa-Press – Liberia. Ambassador Verma commended the performers and participants, emphasizing the role of cultural diplomacy in fostering stronger international ties.
The Embassy of India in Liberia hosted a grand and colorful celebration of Diwali, the Festival of Lights, on Saturday at the residence of His Excellency Manoj Bihari Verma, Ambassador of India to Liberia. The event brought together members of the Indian community, the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, ambassadors, representatives of the diplomatic and international community, and Liberian friends of India for an evening rich in culture, tradition, and festivity.
In his welcoming remarks, Ambassador Verma extended warm Diwali and Dhanteras greetings to all attendees, underscoring the deep spiritual and cultural significance of the festival. “Diwali is one of India’s most cherished celebrations, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil,” he said.
The Ambassador elaborated on the multi-day nature of Diwali, noting that Dhanteras, which coincided with the event, is considered auspicious for purchasing gold, silver, and new utensils symbols of prosperity and fresh beginnings. He added that the celebrations continue with Chhoti Diwali and culminate on the main Diwali day, which this year falls on Monday, October 20.
Ambassador Verma also highlighted Deepotsava, the grand Diwali celebration held annually in Ayodhya, India, which has earned a Guinness World Record for lighting millions of earthen lamps simultaneously. “This magnificent festival commemorates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile,” he explained.
The evening featured an engaging lineup of cultural performances organized by the Indian community. The program opened with a theatrical depiction of scenes from the Ramayana, followed by soulful Indian songs and a lively Garba dance a traditional folk dance from Gujarat, recently inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2023.
One of the evening’s most memorable moments was a captivating fusion dance performed by a Liberian boy and an Indian girl to classical Indian music, symbolizing the growing bond of friendship and cultural exchange between India and Liberia.
Ambassador Verma commended the performers and participants, emphasizing the role of cultural diplomacy in fostering stronger international ties. “Events like this Deepotsava not only celebrate our heritage but also strengthen the bridges of friendship and understanding between our nations and communities,” he remarked. “As we light the diyas tonight, let us pledge to illuminate our shared path forward with cooperation, compassion, and goodwill.”
The celebration concluded with a lavish spread of traditional Indian cuisine, as guests mingled and shared in the spirit of unity and joy. The evening’s warm and festive atmosphere reflected the enduring friendship and growing people-to-people ties between India and Liberia marking yet another successful celebration of India’s rich cultural heritage on Liberian soil.
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