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Indian embassies unite diaspora in global diwali celebrations

Across continents, the celebrations at Indian missions this year reflected not only cultural pride but also deepening diplomatic and community bonds.

Diwali Celebrations across the globe / X (Top L-R) @CGIManchester, @cgidubai, @HCI_Ottawa (Bottom L-R) @CGISFO, @HCICanberra, @IndiainSeattle,

Indian missions across the world marked Diwali 2025 with festive gatherings, cultural performances, and community outreach, reflecting the festival’s universal message of light triumphing over darkness and unity across cultures.

United States

From coast to coast, Indian consulates across the U.S. hosted Diwali events celebrating the Indian diaspora’s growing role in civic and cultural life.

In San Francisco, the Consulate General of India welcomed community members, elected representatives, and consular officials on Oct. 17. Consul General K. Srikar Reddy extended warm greetings and noted, “California’s recognition of Diwali as a state holiday made this year’s celebrations even more special.”

The evening featured cultural performances that, according to the Consulate, “enriched the festive spirit of the celebration.”



In New York, Mayor Eric Adams hosted a Diwali reception at Gracie Mansion, where he commended the Indian community for their “vibrant contributions to New York’s cultural and economic life.” 



Representing the Consulate, Deputy Consul General Vishal J. Harsh conveyed festive greetings and said Diwali embodies “the enduring message of light, hope, and joy.”

In Texas, the Consulate General of India in Houston joined Governor Greg Abbott for Diwali celebrations at the Governor’s Mansion in Austin. The Consulate thanked the governor for “continuing this beautiful tradition of celebrating Diwali with the Indo-American community, spreading the spirit of light, unity, and togetherness.”



In Atlanta, the Consul General participated in Diwali celebrations hosted by the city’s Mayor in collaboration with the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA). The Mayor praised the Indian-American community for “enriching Atlanta’s cultural landscape and reaffirming the city’s commitment to inclusivity and shared values.”The event featured colorful performances and community participation.



In Seattle, the Consulate organized Diwali festivities at India House in Bellevue on Oct. 18, with a strong showing of public leaders. Attendees included U.S. Congresswoman Kim Schrier, Washington State Senators Manka Dhingra and Vandana Slatter, and nine mayors from across the Greater Seattle Area. 

The Consulate expressed gratitude to the region’s leadership for “making this a uniquely special moment and joining us in the festive celebrations.”



Australia

The High Commission of India in Canberra celebrated Diwali at the 12th Annual McMahon Community Diwali in Greystanes, alongside Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen. The mission described it as “a wonderful display of community spirit,” adding that “the festival of lights brings peace and prosperity to all.”



United Arab Emirates

The Indian Consulate in Dubai joined celebrations as the Burj Khalifa lit up in dazzling colors to mark Diwali 2025. The mission noted that the iconic display “sparkles in the celebration of Diwali, wishing everyone happiness, harmony, and prosperity.”



United Kingdom

In Manchester, the Consulate joined Diwali festivities with the Northern Tamil Association UK and Jain Samaj Manchester. The event was attended by the Mayor of Manchester and Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester. The Consulate remarked that the celebrations “encapsulated all that the festival stands for — light, wellness, and togetherness.”

The gatherings, it added, were “a testament to Greater Manchester’s rich multicultural fabric and the spirit of the Indian diaspora.”



Canada

In Calgary, the Indian High Commission in Ottawa participated in the Indian Society of Calgary’s Diwali Utsav on Oct. 18, attended by Alberta Speaker Ric McIver, Opposition Leader Naheed Nenshi, and senior Calgary Police officials. The event drew more than 800 attendees.



Deputy High Commissioner Chinmoy Naik also attended a Diwali dinner hosted by the South-Asian Venture Capital Association of Canada (SAVCA), where he underscored India’s economic progress and investment potential. 

“The High Commission places strong emphasis on diaspora connect in Canada,”Naik said, inviting the community “to invest, innovate, and make in India.”

Across continents, the celebrations at Indian missions this year reflected not only cultural pride but also deepening diplomatic and community bonds. From San Francisco to Sydney, Dubai to Manchester, and Calgary to Seattle — Diwali 2025 illuminated shared values of unity, inclusivity, and global friendship.

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