GUATEMALA CITY/NEW YORK (TIP): Guatemala and Honduras had an eventful and colorful last week as the Embassy of India in Guatemala organized grand-scale, first-of-its-kind Diwali celebrations in Honduras and Guatemalan and ended a week with Unity Bicycle Rally as a part of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas on the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Diwali celebrations started on 27 October in Honduras, where, in the presence of more than 80 dignitaries, including Representatives of the Honduran Government, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Indian Community members, ITEC alumni, Yoga lovers & Friends of India, Mission organized the first-ever Diwali Celebrations with the lighting of Diyas, an incredible firecrackers show & delicious Indian food.

Continuing with Diwali Celebrations, Mission participated in Diwali Celebrations organized at Brahmakumaris Guatemala on 29 October. The large-scale participation of the local Guatemalan community, along with Indian community members, was the highlight of the celebrations. Hundreds of traditional diyas and a firecracker show lit the atmosphere. And celebrations ended with traditional Garba dance & delicious Indian food. The main Diwali celebrations were held on 30 October at the Embassy’s premises in the presence of more than 150 people, including Hon’ble Minister of Education, Ms Claudia Ruiz, Vice Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Ms Ava Atzum Arevalo and Vice Minister of Economy, Mr Fernando Escalante, Diplomatic corps, Indian community members and friends of India. The celebrations started with a Cultural programme by the Indian community with Indian dance and Music. The people were mesmerized by the lighting of diyas and an hour-long firecracker show and had a taste of Indian food.

The eventful week ended on a solid note with the organization of Unity Bicycle Rally on 30 October as a part of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas on the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel where Indian community members participated in the rally and paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel for his immense contribution for uniting India. After Diwali Celebrations in Guatemala and Honduras, Embassy in collaboration with Foreign Ministry of El Salvador is organizing first-ever grand Diwali celebrations in San Salvador on 10 November with the participation of hon’ble Foreign Minister of El Salvador, officials from Salvador government, Indian community, ITEC alumni and friends of India. In continuation of International Day of Yoga and Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, on 12 November, Embassy is also organizing a grand Yoga Festival with the participation of more than 3000 Guatemalans in Guatemala City.