More than 500 people attended Diwali celebrations, the Festival of Lights, organized by the Embassy of India and India Association Cambodia (IAC) in Koh Pich, Phnom Penh on Saturday.
The event started with the traditional lighting of the lamp as is the norm of the Diwali tradition. The children then went to all the tables in the event hall lighting the lamps.
A charming Bharatnatyam dance performance by Guru Kapil Sharma followed, enthralling the audience.
The main attraction of the entertainment was the all-girl band from India, led by singer Jyotsna. The band played Indian tunes and dancers performed to lively beats as guests enjoyed the entertainment and delights of Indian cuisine.
Indian Ambassador to Cambodia, Devyani Khobragade, in her opening remarks, said, “Your presence lights up the entire environment with vibrancy and vibrancy. On this day, lights represent the triumph of reality and light over darkness. This day encourages us to stay away from bad habits, do good deeds and stay on the right path to live a happier life. Our Prime Minister also stated that the country has developed the ‘Kartavya Path’ based on the teachings of Lord Shri Ram.”
“Through events like this, we celebrate our extended family that lives around the world and is, in a true spirit, ambassadors of our country’s great culture.
“We are proud of the fascinating history of the Indian diaspora, starting from ancient times and never looking back, reaching the present state where we have over 30 million strong Indian diaspora in more than 100 countries,” she added.
IAC President Kumudini Vichare said Diwali (also known as Deepavali) is observed to celebrate the return of Lord Rama, his brother Laxman and his wife Sita to Ayodhya after spending 14 years in forest exile and defeating Ravana.
“To this day, the day of their return is celebrated with the same enthusiasm and auspiciousness as Diwali. It is one of the most popular holidays of the Indian Subcontinent celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and is an official holiday in Fiji, Guyana, India, Malaysia, Mauritius, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago,” she said.
She said the IAC is 30 years old and has 200 members.
“We are very proud to state that this is the highest the IAC has grown in its existence and the future looks more promising than ever before,” she said.
“Diwali has been the highlight of IAC and has been graced by key dignitaries from India, Cambodia and neighboring countries and all your presence is adding tremendous value. We sincerely believe that this will also help strengthen the cultural ties between our nations,” she said.
