NEW DELHI : The High Commission of Sri Lanka in New Delhi, in collaboration with the Delhi Study Group, hosted “Diwali with Diplomats” on 4 November 2026, bringing together members of the diplomatic community for an evening of celebration, cultural exchange and friendship.
Held on the lawns of the High Commission in Chanakyapuri, the evening offered members of the diplomatic corps an opportunity to experience the warmth and vibrancy of Diwali in an informal and welcoming setting.
The celebration reflected the special place that Deepavali holds in both India and Sri Lanka. In Sri Lanka, Deepavali is a national public holiday and an important part of the country’s rich cultural and religious heritage.
Hosting the celebration in New Delhi therefore provided an opportunity to celebrate a tradition that is shared across the two countries and forms part of their enduring cultural connections.
The evening featured vibrant performances of Punjabi Bhangra, Rajasthani Ghoomar and Gujarati Garba, and members of the diplomatic community enthusiastically joined in the dances and festivities, many in their traditional national attire, creating an atmosphere of warmth, spontaneity and camaraderie.
A ceremonial lighting of traditional diyas formed the centrepiece of the celebration, symbolising the triumph of light over darkness and the enduring values of hope, knowledge and renewal. Guests also participated in the festive tradition of lighting sparklers, adding to the joy and spirit of the evening.
The evening provided an opportunity for the High Commission to open its doors to friends from across the diplomatic community and celebrate the enduring connections between Sri Lanka, India and the wider world through culture and shared traditions.
The celebration underscored the quiet but powerful role of cultural diplomacy in creating spaces where people can meet beyond official engagements, discover common traditions and build friendships.
