Diwali with Diplomats: Sri Lanka Celebrates Festival of Lights in Delhi
Sri Lankan High Commissioner Mahishini Colonne hosts 'Diwali with Diplomats' in New Delhi to celebrate cultural ties and international friendship.
In a vibrant display of cultural diplomacy and international friendship, the High Commission of Sri Lanka in India recently hosted a special event titled Diwali with diplomats in New Delhi. The gathering served as a bridge between nations, bringing together members of the diplomatic corps, senior government officials, and prominent business leaders to celebrate the festival of lights and honor the deep-rooted cultural bonds shared between India and Sri Lanka.
More Than Just a Formal Gathering
Addressing the attendees, the Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India, Mahishini Colonne, emphasized that informal events like these are crucial for building genuine friendships and fostering a level of understanding that often goes beyond the constraints of formal diplomatic protocols.
Expressing her gratitude to the guests and the Delhi Study Group for their partnership, High Commissioner Colonne highlighted that Deepavali is not just an Indian celebration but a significant national public holiday in Sri Lanka. She noted that the festival is observed with great devotion across the island, particularly among the Hindu and Tamil communities.
“When we light the diyas here today in New Delhi, we are not merely guests in India celebrating Diwali; we are celebrating a festival that is very much our own in Sri Lanka as well,” she stated.
She further reflected on the universal symbolism of the festival, remarking that when one lamp lights another, its own flame does not diminish; instead, the surrounding light only grows stronger.
A Night of Cultural Dazzle
The event, officially titled 'Diwali Dazzle Night 2026', took place on October 26. It was organized in collaboration with the Lions Club Delhi Veg and the Global Trade and Technology Council of India (GTTCI). The festivities commenced with the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp, led by High Commissioner Colonne alongside GTTCI President Gaurav Gupta and other distinguished guests.
The evening was a sensory feast, blending art, music, and taste:
- Performances: The night featured traditional dance presentations and live musical acts.
- Global Artistry: In a unique cross-cultural touch, an Israeli diplomat performed a sitar recital, while an Iranian artist and her students showcased an exhibition of paintings.
- Local Flavors: Guests enjoyed a curated selection of handicrafts and culinary delicacies sourced from the heart of Old Delhi.
Strengthening Global Ties
According to a press release from the High Commission, the celebration was designed to reaffirm the power of people-to-people engagement and cultural diplomacy in strengthening international relations. By welcoming friends from across the globe, the event highlighted how the core message of Diwali—the victory of light over darkness and hope over despair—transcends geographical borders and cultural divides.
The High Commission concluded by expressing its appreciation to the GTTCI, Lions Club Delhi Veg, and all the participants who contributed to making the evening a successful celebration of international friendship and cultural exchange.