(VNF) - Diwali, the Indian festival of lights, will take place at Tay Ho (West Lake) Water Park in Hanoi on October 22^nd and GEM Centre in Ho Chi Minh City on November 5^th.

The event, one of India’s largest festivals, will be jointly held by the Indian Embassy in Viet Nam and the Indian Business Chamber in Viet Nam (INCHAM) with the aim of bettering the Vietnamese people and foreign friends’ understanding of India and its culture.

Diwali roughly translates as “festival of lights,” a symbol of India’s ancient culture and its focus on overcoming ignorance through seeking the light of knowledge. The festival traditionally sees rich and poor families alike ignite small colourful lamps to greet Lakshmi, a deity of wealth.

This event showcases Indian culture and allows all to experience the excitement, energy and warmth of this very special occasion.

More than 2,500 distinguished guests from all walks of life and nations, especially the vibrant expat and Vietnamese community are expected to attend the celebrations. The event is organized in celebration of the festival of Diwali which is not only celebrated in India, but around the whole world.

The event will have Indian cultural programs, performance by Indians as well as Vietnamese, children activities and Bollywood entertainment. This year’s festival, in HCM city, will feature the participation of two well-known Indian singers, Raja Hasan and Pragya Sodhani; and violinist Aneek Shankar and Indian Band UDX in Hanoi.

Delicious Indian food will be served at the event along with Western and Vietnamese options to satisfy the tastes of all in attendance.

The festival are designed to help Vietnamese people broaden their understanding of the land and people of India through a variety of cultural and artistic media, including music and dance performances, fashion shows and folk games. Pavilions featuring Indian culture, handicrafts and culinary arts also entertained visitors.

All the proceeds from ticket sales and from sponsorship amounts will be donated to charity./.

Minh Phuong