MONROVIA, LIBERIA-Indian Ambassador to Liberia says the love shown by Liberians during India’s “Diwali festival” exemplifies the bonds between the two nations.
On Friday, October 18, 2025, the Embassy of India near Monrovia hosted a vibrant Diwali celebration at the residence of the Indian Ambassador to Liberia, His Excellency Manoj Bihari Verma.
Diwali is one of India’s most cherished celebrations, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.
The event brought together members of the Indian community, the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Ambassadors, and members of the diplomatic and international community, and several Liberian friends of India in a colorful display of Indian culture and traditions.
In his welcoming remarks, Ambassador Manoj Bihari Verma extended warm Diwali greetings to all attendees, with special wishes to the Indian community for Dhanteras, the auspicious first day of the Diwali celebrations.
According to Ambassador Verma, Diwali is a deep cultural and spiritual event that is celebrated for more than seven days, with each day holding its own significance.
The Indian Envoy disclosed that Dhanteras, which fell on Saturday, is also considered highly auspicious for purchasing gold, silver, or new utensils as symbols of good luck, prosperity, and fresh beginnings.
The Ambassador also shared insights about Deepotsava, the grand celebration that takes place annually in the holy city of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, India.
“This magnificent festival has earned a place in the Guinness World Records for lighting millions of diyas or earthen lamps simultaneously,” the Ambassador noted, describing how the spectacular sight celebrates Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile.
Friday’s event highlights a series of captivating cultural performances organized by the Indian community, featuring a short theatrical presentation of the Ramayana story, the ancient Indian epic that forms the basis of Diwali celebrations.
This was followed by melodious Indian songs and the energetic Garba dance, a traditional folk dance from Gujarat that was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December 2023, becoming India’s 15th cultural heritage to receive this prestigious recognition.
In a touching symbol of cross-cultural friendship, the celebration concluded with a beautiful fusion dance performed by a Liberian boy and an Indian girl to Indian classical music, drawing enthusiastic applause from the audience.
“Events like this Deepotsava not only celebrate our cultural heritage but also strengthen the bridges of friendship and understanding between our nations and communities,” Ambassador Verma said.
The Ambassador called upon all attendees to join in the spirit of the festival: “As we light the diyas tonight, let us pledge to illuminate our shared path forward with cooperation, compassion, and goodwill. May this Festival of Lights bring prosperity, peace, and happiness to all of us and to our nations.”
The warm and festive atmosphere at the Ambassador’s residence reflects the growing cultural and people-to-people ties between India and Liberia, with guests from various countries and backgrounds coming together to celebrate one of India’s most significant festivals.