Hanoi opened its doors to Diwali, the Indian festival of lights, on November 9. The capital’s celebration of one of India’s largest festivals aimed to introduce Vietnamese people to all things Indian.
The event, co-organised by the Indian embassy and the Indian Business Chamber in Vietnam (INCHAM), marked the 41st anniversary of diplomatic ties and sixth anniversary of the strategic partnership between Vietnam and India.
INCHAM said that this year’s festival introduced special cultural programs from Indian art groups and other nations in Southeast Asia including dance, music, traditional cuisines, fashion shows and folk games. In particular there were 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.