HCMC – The Consulate General of India in HCMC held a Diwali Celebration – the Festival of Lights – on October 18, with representatives from government agencies, the diplomatic corps, and the Indian community attending.
The event, held at the Consulate General in HCMC, featured traditional diya decorations, which are small Indian clay oil lamps symbolizing light, purity, and the triumph of good over evil, along with cultural performances and a brief fireworks display.
In his opening remarks, Vipra Pandey, consul general of India in HCMC, extended greetings to guests and highlighted Diwali’s deeper significance as a celebration of giving, sacrifice, and spreading joy. He encouraged attendees to support charity stalls at the event, where proceeds would go to community causes.
The evening also featured a dance drama performance inspired by the Ramayana, the ancient Indian epic that tells of Lord Ram’s return home after 14 years of exile, a story that marks the origin of the Diwali celebration. The performance was presented by students from Tra Vinh University.
Pandey also shared upcoming cultural and educational initiatives, including a program based on Mokshapat, the ancient Indian game that inspired Snakes and Ladders, scheduled for later this month. He noted that the Consulate is working to strengthen educational cooperation between a Vietnamese university and several leading Indian institutions to promote academic exchange and joint learning opportunities.
