Diwali or Deepavali (Festival of Lights), one of the biggest festivals of India, has been celebrated in Hanoi with a series of activities held by InCham Hanoi, a not-for-profit organization founded in 1999.
At the event, exclusive performances by Antariksh band from India, a premier, multi-award-winning Indian Pop/Rock act based out of Delhi, India, and other cultural and culinary activities joined by Indian, Vietnamese, and international guests.
The band was founded by music composer, singer, and guitar player Varun Rajput in 2012. Antariksh has collaborated with former Megadeth Guitarist, Marty Friedman on their critically acclaimed song, 'Quest' and won the 'Best Rock Song' Award at the Artist Aloud Independent Music Awards 2022 and 'Best Rock Artist of 2022' at The Indian Music Diaries Awards. These are some of the most prestigious awards in the Indian music industry. Antariksh has also been recognized by MTV as one of India's best Hindi rock bands.
It is celebrated as the victory of Good over Evil, Light over Darkness, and Knowledge over Ignorance. Mythical tales shared on Diwali vary widely depending on the region and even with Hindu tradition, yet all share a common focus on righteousness and the importance of knowledge, which is the path to overcoming the darkness of ignorance. One tradition links the festival to the Hindu epic 'Ramayana', which narrates the struggle of the divine prince Rama to rescue his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana. Diwali has a major religious significance for all religions, including Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains alike - not only in India but also for Indians living abroad. In the Western calendar, Diwali falls in either October or November every year, just after the monsoon season in India. This date also marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year and many businesses in India start a new accounting year on the Diwali holiday.
Over the years, Diwali Night has become a permanent fixture in Hanoi's cultural calendar, strengthening every year. To continue the tradition, the Indian Business Chamber in Hanoi is organizing Diwali Night 2023, hoping to bring a glimpse of the colorful and joyful spirit from one of the biggest festivals in India. Many symbolic activities of the Indian culture, Indian and international Cuisine, Musical performances, Indian state dance performances, henna artists & face painting will be featured in the event.
The word "Diwali" is a contraction of "Deepavali," originating from the Sanskrit word दीपावली which can be translated as "Row of Lights". Hence, the Diwali Festival is called the "Festival of Lights". Diwali is the name for the festival in North India; in South India, the festival is called "Deepavali." In Hanoi, Diwali Night will be hosted as an event only and not a festival.
InCham has been playing an important role in promoting bilateral trade between the two great countries Vietnam and India. Besides, InCham Hanoi also actively contributes to the engagement of the Indian community in Vietnam and facilitates cultural exchanges.
Below are some photos of Diwali Night 2023 in Hanoi:
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| Diwali Night 2023 Hanoi opens last weekend. Photos: InCham |
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| Famous artists from India perform at the night. |
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| Children are excited to perform at the event. |
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| Hosts and artists at the night. |
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| Diwali Night is full of colors. |
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| Indian women and guests pretty in traditional costumes. |
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| Vietnamese and Indian guests at the night. |
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| The night attracts Vietnamese guests. |
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| Mother and daughter - performers shrine at the night. |
