Community: The Indian chamber’s Diwali festival helped bring people together in Luxembourg, writes Pedro Castilho.

Sold out two weeks in advance, the Indian Business Chamber of Luxembourg’s sixth Diwali celebration, which took place for the first time in the “Chapito” in Casino 2000, Mondorf les Bains, brought together Luxembourg nationals, international expats and the Indian community for a joyful celebration

Karan Pangali and his dancers traveled especially from London to mesmerize the audience with their colorful outfits, amazing choreographies and fascinating Bollywood rhythms.

Particular attention was been given to the vast, delicious and spiced Indian warm and cold buffet. In fact, on this occasion, an Indian chef coached the cooking team of the “Chapito”, for an authentic and tasty result.

Sudhir Kohli, president of IBCL, was particularly impressed that Rik Vandenberghe, current CEO of ING Belgium, and Inbasekar Sundaramurthi, first secretary at the Indian embassy to Belgium, drove from Brussels to attend the celebrations.

Hélène Piron Mäki-Korvela, communication coordinator at the European Court of Auditors, who attended Diwali for the first time, commented: “I very much enjoyed the colourful costumes and the excellent Indian food, and the best of all, the Karan Pangali show of Bollywood dancing with its cheerful energy and skillful show”.

Diwali, the festival of lights

Diwali is one of the most popular festivals of India celebrated, every year in autumn, by followers of three major religions, i.e., Hindus, Sikhs and Jains.

Spiritually, Diwali signifies the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, and hope over despair.

Spanning over five days, it is a unique blend of worship, colors, lights, food, and fireworks.

Traditionally, on Diwali night, Hindus dress up in new clothes or their best outfit, light up diyas (lamps and candles), draw “rangolis” on the ground or on the walls outside their homes, participate in family puja (prayers) to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, and to Ganesh, the Elephant God. The celebrations also include a family meal including mithai (sweets), and an exchange of gifts between family members and close friends.

Marking the start the Hindu new business year, Diwali also represents a major shopping period in nations where it is celebrated.

IBCL--business and people

Created in 2009, the Indian Business Chamber of Luxembourg aims to bring Luxembourg and India closer to each other. There are huge opportunities for both countries to collaborate.

“Working Together, Winning together” is the ideal behind which the IBCL board, the sponsors and partners, the members and friends gather together in conferences, meetings and networking cocktails.

Pedro Castilho is a board member of the Indian Business Chamber of Luxembourg.