GUATEMALA CITY (TIP): Embassy of India celebrated a magnificent Diwali, the Festival of Lights, with local Guatemalans, members of Indian community, friends of India and dignitaries from Government, international organizations and business community in Guatemala City on 18th November 2023 at Erick Barrondo Park.
The event was attended by approximately 1500 guests captivating the spirit of unity and festivity. Eminent personalities from both India and Guatemala graced the occasion, including Congressman Manual Conde, Mayor of San Juan Sacatepéquez H.E. Mr. Juan Carlos Pellecer, Mayor of Chiquimula H.E. Mr. Rolando Aquino Guerra, and Ms. Renu Sharma, President of the Beti & Shiksha Foundation.
Ambassador Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra, in his inaugural address, conveyed warm Diwali wishes and underscored the significance of Diwali in Indian culture. The event commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the Diya (traditional lamp), symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.
The event was expertly anchored by Ms. Simaran Ahuja, the winner of the Miss India (World) pageant in 2013. With her poised and engaging presence, Ms. Ahuja added a touch of elegance to the festivities. A vibrant display of Bollywood’s cultural richness unfolded as the talented dance troupe from the Universidad del Valle de Guatemala, in collaboration with the skilled performers led by Ms. Satva Anand, graced the event with an enchanting Bollywood Dance performance. Seizing the moment, the winners of World Hindi Day were honored with their well-deserved awards amid the festivities.
In a collaborative effort, the Municipality of San Juan San Juan Sacatepéquez, led by H.E. Mr. Juan Carlos Pellecer, teamed up with the Embassy to celebrate the Diwali Festival this year. The Municipality added a touch of local flair to the festivities by presenting a Guatemalan Fashion Show, featuring traditional attire. The event was further enriched with the musical talents of a Mariamba and guitar performers’ group, bringing a blend of Guatemalan culture to the Diwali celebrations.
The central theme of this year’s event was the Indian Fashion Show titled ‘Vibrant Threads of Unity,’ sponsored by the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India and presented in Guatemala by Ms. Renu Sharma, President of the Beti & Shiksha Foundation. This spectacular show served as a captivating kaleidoscope, offering a window into the rich tapestry of India’s textile heritage.
Supported by a blend of traditional and contemporary designs, it played a pivotal role in strengthening the bonds of trade and cultural understanding between our two nations. Following the resounding success of last year’s show, this marked the second consecutive Indian Fashion Show in Guatemala.
The presentation kicked off by showcasing the elegance of Indian silk, featuring a diverse array of varieties such as Tussar, Muga, Brocades, Mulberry, and Kosa silk, each possessing its own distinctive allure. The exhibition underscored India’s standing as a global leader in textile exports, encompassing a wide range of products from school and fashion garments to formal and bridal wear. Additionally, the show highlighted Mahatma Gandhi’s vision, emphasizing the promotion of Khadi and other natural fabrics, contributing to the preservation of our planet. The show also featured an exquisite collection of formal and bridal wear, celebrating Diwali on the runway.
The audience reveled in the enchanting Dandiya dance performance by Ms. Simran Ahuja, actively joining the celebration. Dandiya is a traditional Indian dance form that originates from the state of Gujarat. It is often performed during the festival of Navratri, a celebration that spans nine nights and honors the goddess Durga. Dancers, usually in pairs, wield colorful, decorated sticks called dandiyas, and the dance involves energetic and rhythmic maneuvers.
The festivities reached a grand crescendo as the event concluded with a spectacular fireworks display orchestrated by the Embassy. The colorful bursts of light and vibrant patterns painted the night sky, capturing the essence and spirit of the Diwali Festival in a dazzling spectacle that left a lasting impression on all those in attendance.
Source: The Indian Panorama
