TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A celebratory event for Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, was held at Taipei Guest House on Monday (Oct. 28). 

During the opening of the celebration, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Tien Chung-kwang (田中光) described Taiwan-India relations as "sweet as mangoes." Manharsinh Laxmanbhai Yadav, Director General of India Taipei Association (ITA), likened the festival’s theme of light overcoming darkness to the courage and resilience of the Taiwanese people.

Organized by the ITA, the Taipei India Music and Culture Center, and the Indians in Taiwan group, and sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), the 2024 Diwali celebration was attended by various dignitaries, including Presidential Office Deputy Secretary-General Ho Chih-wei (何志偉), Ocean Affairs Council Minister Kuan Bi-ling (管碧玲), and several legislators. The function was attended by 200 invited guests and “marked a significant milestone in cultural diplomacy between Taiwan and India,” according to the co-organizers.

The ministry said the function was designed to bring the Taiwan government and the Indian community together in the spirit of Diwali and highlight the deepening ties between the two countries.

In his remarks, Tien shared that the ITA held a Diwali event in Kaohsiung last week, featuring vibrant fireworks and dance performances reminiscent of bringing Bollywood to Taiwan. He praised Yadav's dedication to promoting Indian culture throughout Taiwan, saying that this has enriched Taiwan’s diverse society.

Having served in India, Tien said that India feels like a second home to him, and he felt a sense of nostalgia seeing Taipei Guest House transformed into a beautiful “Little India” for the celebration. He hopes Indians in Taiwan will also consider Taiwan as a second home.

Tien highlighted the steady growth in Taiwan-India relations, particularly in trade, investment, technology, and cultural exchanges. He pointed out that next year will mark the 30th anniversary of Taiwan and India establishing offices in each other’s countries, and he believes Taiwan-India relations will grow ever “sweeter and more fragrant like mangoes.”

Yadav, who called Tien "a good friend of India," said Tien has tasted Indian mangoes, while he tried Taiwan’s stinky tofu—small experiences that bring Taiwan-India relations closer. Yadav expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for opening the doors of the Taipei Guest House annually to the Indian community, making it a highly anticipated annual event.

Yadav explained that Diwali celebrates light defeating darkness and hope conquering despair, symbolizing the resilience that Taiwanese people demonstrate in the face of adversity. He said that Diwali (Oct. 31) is closely followed by the New Year in Gujarat (Nov. 2), where people often wish for 25% growth in the new year and expressed hope that Taiwan-India relations could grow 25% annually as well.

Yadav also presented Tien with a miniature replica of the newly inaugurated Ram Temple (Shree Ram Janm Bhoomi mandir) in Ayodhya. The Diwali festivities included not only authentic Indian cuisine but also traditional dances, such as Bharatanatyam, depicting the story of Ram and a dance drama based on the ancient Indian epic “The Ramayana.”

Other performances included a semi-classical Indian dance duet and a high-energy Bollywood mashup. A live sitar performance served as a musical backdrop, and guests enjoyed a variety of authentic Indian vegetarian delicacies, including pani puri, samosas, and masala tea.