India

Foreign Embassies Celebrate Diwali with Lamps, Rangolis and Cultural Events

By Prerna

Foreign embassies in India marked Diwali with parties, lamp‑lighting ceremonies, rangolis and cultural performances. The French embassy hosted a Diwali party, posting a lighthearted video on X about the event. Ambassador Thierry Mathou lit a ceremonial lamp and described the festival as a “beautiful celebration of light, hope and new beginnings,” wishing France‑India relations to prosper. US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor shared photos of Diwali celebrations at the embassy in New Delhi on X, wishing everyone a very Happy Diwali. The US Postal Service issued a forever stamp for the occasion, making it the second Diwali stamp issued by USPS. Singapore’s high commission celebrated with a puja, awarding cash prizes, EV bikes and TVs to staff on Dhanteras, and posted pictures of a floral rangoli. The Singapore consulate in Chennai served a South Indian Keralam lunch. UAE Ambassador Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi celebrated his first Diwali in India with a gathering at the New Delhi embassy, sharing photos of lamp lighting and wishing everyone a Happy Diwali. The Sri Lanka high commission hosted a “Diwali with Diplomats” event on November 4 on its lawns in Chanakyapuri, featuring Punjabi Bhangra, Rajasthani Ghoomar and Gujarati Garba performances. The event celebrated enduring connections between Sri Lanka, India and the wider world through culture and shared traditions. The Swiss embassy, led by Ambassador Maya Tissafi, celebrated early on November 3 with lamp lighting, rangolis, diyas and Indian delicacies, wishing a joyous Diwali week. The article was written by Prerna, a contributor at Hindustan Times with an academic background in English literature.