Celebration of Diwali 2009

The most important festival in India, Diwali, was celebrated with special splendor this year on 17 October in the Rendi Municipality-Hall. A lot of Indian and Pakistani citizens working in our country gathered with their families to celebrate together in a spirit of friendship and unity this big holiday of the Indian New Year, of Light and Prosperity. Many Greek friends of India and Indian culture attended the event as well.

The initiative for the celebration belongs to H.E. the Ambassador of India Mr. Dilip Sinha and the President of Greek-Indian Cultural and Welfare Association (GICWA) Mr. Magkar Gandhi who works over the last 30 years on  improvement of the quality of life of his compatriots in this country.

The program was presented by a famous for his radio programs President of the Pakistani Association Union Syed Mohammed Jamil. The musical program started with Bollywood dances and songs by the famous Ms. Babil Shenaz, then followed a performance of the dynamic dance group from Punjab, Rajbir Bhangda that inspired many Panjabis to start dancing. Very beautiful songs of Pakistani singers Murad and Nasir enchanted the audience; Margarita danced Indian devotional dances and Kostas Kalaitzis sang Diwali traditional songs.

Reception with Indian dishes followed the cultural program. The wishes of everyone were that this unifying festival be celebrated every year by more people and embrace those who celebrate Diwali far from their Motherland.