Diwali, the Indian festival of lights, opened in Hanoi on November 9, marking the 41 st anniversary of the Vietnam-India diplomatic ties and the 6th anniversary of their strategic partnership.
The event, one of India’s largest festivals, was jointly held by the Indian Embassy in Vietnam and the Indian Business Chamber in Vietnam (INCHAM), aiming to better Vietnamese people and international friends’ understanding about India and its culture.
INCHAM said that this year’s festival introduces special cultural programmes from Indian art groups and other nations in Southeast Asia, including dance, music, traditional cuisines, fashion shows and folk games.
In particular, there are special pavilions set up to introduce and demonstrate India ’s culture, handicrafts and culinary arts.
Hindu’s Diwali festival is as significant as Christmas and is similar to the Buddhists’ Lunar Year Festival. It has been celebrated in India ’s long-standing culture for centuries and has been held in many other nations across the world for years.-VNA
