Rangolis, diyas and Indian delicacies: Swiss Embassy joins Diwali celebrations

Switzerland's Ambassador to India, Maya Tissafi, recently shared glimpses of the celebrations through a series of photographs posted on X.

The pictures showcased the festive spirit at the embassy, with colourful rangolis, glowing diyas and decorations reflecting the excitement surrounding the annual festival of lights.

Sharing the photographs, Tissafi wrote on X: "As the city of #Delhi lights up ahead of #Diwali, some of that festive magic found its way into the Embassy too!"

She further wrote: "Celebrating with my team amid colourful rangolis, glowing diyas and delicious Indian delicacies was a lovely way to embrace India's festive spirit and traditions."

Extending her wishes ahead of the festival, she added: "I wish you an exciting week full of Diwali festivities."

What is Diwali?

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is the Hindu festival of lights. The festival is also celebrated, with distinct religious significance and traditions, by other Indian communities, including Jains and Sikhs.

It symbolises the triumph of dharma (righteousness) over adharma (unrighteousness), light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.

Diwali falls during the Hindu lunisolar months of Ashvin and Kartika, generally between mid-October and mid-November. The festivities typically extend over five or six days.

This year, Diwali will be celebrated across India on November 8.