Swedish, Cuban Ambassadors, Others Grace Celebration at Indian High Commission
By Joy Omagha Idam
ABUJA — The Indian community in Abuja has celebrated the richness of India’s cultural heritage at Dandiya Nite ’26, with the participation of the Swedish Ambassador, Cuban Ambassador and other distinguished guests adding diplomatic colour to the festivities. They also took part in the dance.
The colourful event, organised by the Indian Cultural Association (ICA), Abuja, in collaboration with the Indian Women Empowerment Association (IWEA), was held on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at the Indian High Commission’s Hall in Abuja, bringing together members of the Indian community, diplomats and friends of India for an evening of cultural expression, music, dance and traditional cuisine.
Tagged “Dance, Celebrate, Connect,” Dandiya Nite ’26 formed part of the celebrations associated with Navratri, the nine-day Hindu festival that honours the divine feminine and showcases India’s rich spiritual and cultural traditions.
The nine-day celebration is marked by prayers, devotion, music and traditional dances, particularly Garba and Dandiya Raas, in which participants move rhythmically to traditional music, often using decorated sticks as part of the performance.
The Abuja gathering provided an opportunity for members of the Indian community to celebrate their cultural identity while sharing its beauty and significance with Nigerians and other international guests.
The Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Abhishek Singh, received guests and participated in the celebration, reflecting the High Commission’s role in promoting cultural diplomacy and strengthening people-to-people relations between India and Nigeria. Prayers were said and families and diplomats took turns to offer prayers.
A major highlight was the participation of the Swedish Ambassador and the Cuban Ambassador, alongside other distinguished guests, whose presence underscored the event’s international appeal and the role of cultural celebrations in fostering friendship among nations.
The gathering transformed the venue into a lively display of Indian tradition, with guests appearing in colourful traditional attire and joining in the energetic dances to the accompaniment of drums and folk music.
Dandiya sticks were made available to participants, enabling guests to experience the traditional dance firsthand. The celebration also featured food stalls serving Indian delicacies, including samosas and other traditional treats, adding flavour to the evening’s cultural experience.
The event further recognised participants through awards for Best Dressed and Best Dancers, celebrating creativity, cultural presentation and dancing skills while encouraging wider participation in the festivities.
Organisers explained that the initiative was designed to bring people together in the spirit of Navratri, promote cultural understanding and provide a platform for members of the Indian community to share their heritage with friends and residents of Nigeria.
Beyond its entertainment value, Dandiya Nite ’26 demonstrated how cultural events can serve as bridges between communities, creating opportunities for interaction, mutual appreciation and stronger diplomatic and social relationships.
For Abuja’s diverse diplomatic and expatriate community, the celebration offered a glimpse into India’s living traditions and the enduring significance of festivals in preserving cultural identity across generations and borders.
The evening ended on a high note, with music, dance and fellowship reinforcing the central message of the gathering: that cultural diversity can bring people together and strengthen bonds of friendship across nations.
Through the annual celebration, the Indian Cultural Association, Abuja, and its partners continue to provide a platform for cultural exchange, community engagement and the promotion of closer ties between India, Nigeria and the wider international community.
Female guests had henna applied on them by the CEO Henna_bol, Ms Rabiat Kabir. She can be contacted on 09114117770. Yours Sincerely did too and it’s beautiful.
Weekenders Magazine