Diwali Celebrations in Dambi Dollo, Ethiopia

The Indian community in Dambi Dollo, Ethiopia, came together in a vibrant and joyful celebration of Diwali, the Festival of Lights. The spirit of the festival was beautifully reflected in the smiles of members of the Indian diaspora who gathered to mark this special occasion.The evening was filled with traditional cultural elements — the lighting of diyas (lamps), colorful Indian attire such as saris, kurtas, and sherwanis, and a variety of music, dance performances, and food stalls. The celebration was not limited to the Indian community; Ethiopian friends and guests from other nationalities were warmly welcomed, reinforcing the Diwali message of unity, joy, and light conquering darkness.India's cultural presence in Ethiopia, especially in the education sector through Indian professors and professionals, has long-standing roots. Such cultural gatherings not only foster a sense of home away from home for the diaspora but also help strengthen people-to-people ties between India and Ethiopia through shared cultural experiences.A special note of thanks and appreciation goes to Mrs. Ramya Kishore, Mr. Thiyarajan, and Dr. Sampath Kumar for their exceptional commitment in making the Diwali celebration both colorful and memorable.These moments of celebration are not just festive occasions, but meaningful expressions of cultural identity, friendship, and community spirit in a land far from home.- Prof. Krishnaraj Ramaswamy, President, Ethiopia Non Residents Tamil Associations