The Indian Association Cambodia (IAC) organised a spectacular Diwali festival at NagaWorld on November 18, 2023, with the diverse audience of more than 400 people including community members, dignitaries and other guests from a number of countries.
Indian Ambassador to Cambodia HE Dr Devyani Khobragade opened the celebrations along with Secretary of State at the Ministry of Cults and Religion HE Thor Koeun, British Ambassador HE Dominic Williams and Counsellor at the Myanmar Embassy Dr Soe Thu Ra.
Say Amnann, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Cults and Religion, and Keo Khant were also in attendance.
IAC President Venugopal Myana expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all the dignitaries, attendees and sponsors for their unwavering support in making the 2023 Diwali celebrations truly memorable.
Diwali, also known as Deepavali or the festival of lights, commemorates the triumphant return of Lord Rama, his wife Sita and his brother Laxman to Ayodhya after spending 14 years in exile in the wilderness before defeating the demon king Ravana.
The auspicious day is celebrated with great joy by Hindus around the world, as well as Jains and Sikhs.
The 2023 celebrations commenced with the traditional lighting of diya lamps, which symbolises the triumph of light over darkness.
A captivating Bharatnatyam dance performance by Indian and Cambodian children, and directed by Guru Kapil Sharma, enthralled the audience.
The festivities continued with a lively musical performance by an Indian troupe led by Krishna Pande, while all participants were treated to a delectable spread of freshly prepared Indian food.
The IAC collaborated closely with the Indian Embassy in Phnom Penh and other Indian communities in organising the glittering event and ensuring its success in connecting the Indian diaspora in Cambodia.
The IAC has been serving as a vibrant community hub for the Indian diaspora in Cambodia for more than three decades.
Dedicated to promoting and celebrating the Indian community, the IAC actively fosters connections between Indians and Cambodians through various cultural and community engagement programmes.
