Hungary celebrates Diwali 2025 at the Amrita Sher-Gil Cultural Centre – photo report
On a crisp autumn evening, the Amrita Sher-Gil Cultural Centre (ASCC) in Budapest glowed with colour, warmth, and laughter as it hosted its annual Diwali celebrations. The Embassy of India’s cultural arm transformed its Búzavirág Street venue into a vibrant patchwork of lights, music, and aromas, welcoming over 200 guests, Indians and Hungarians alike, to share in one of India’s most cherished festivals.
A festival that transcends borders
The evening opened with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by India’s The Ambassador to Hungary also delivered a speech filled with warmth and gentle humour.
“Diwali is one of our most significant festivals in India,” his Excellency Anshuman Gaur begun. “It embodies the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. It is a time when millions of lamps illuminate our homes, symbolising hope, prosperity, and new beginnings.”
The Ambassador reflected on how the festival carries a universal message that resonates beyond India’s borders. “By sharing this festival, we are not just exchanging traditions,” he said, “we are affirming our shared humanity. Just as the lamp of Diwali chases away the darkness, may the bonds of friendship between India and Hungary continue to glow brighter.” His words drew warm applause, setting a tone of unity and celebration that carried through the evening.
Diwali storytelling in motion: dance and drama
The cultural programme unfolded with a spellbinding dance-drama based on the Ramayana, India’s ancient epic. Performed by the Gauravani Dance Group, a talented Hungarian ensemble, the piece retold the story of Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana, the triumph of righteousness over evil. Through expressive movement, vivid costumes, and rhythmic grace, the performers brought the centuries-old tale to life, holding the audience’s attention from start to finish.
The stage then came alive with performances by the teachers and students of the Amrita Sher-Gil Cultural Centre, who presented a series of classical and contemporary dances themed around Diwali. From the precise elegance of Bharatanatyam to exuberant Bollywood-inspired choreography, the performances showcased India’s artistic diversity and youthful energy.
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An Indian feast for the senses
Following the colourful performances, the celebration continued with a standing reception, where guests enjoyed aromatic Indian delicacies: samosas, biryanis, and syrup-soaked sweets that evoked the flavours of a Delhi bazaar. Various stands offered saree-draping demonstrations, henna painting, and displays of diyas (oil lamps) and handmade crafts, each capturing a facet of India’s cultural richness and inviting guests to immerse themselves in the festival’s vibrant traditions.
As the evening proceeded, the crowd gathered outside for the night’s finale, a sparkling display of firecrackers that lit up the Budapest sky. The crackle of fireworks echoed through the autumn air, symbolising the very essence of Diwali: joy, renewal, and the victory of light.
Weaving bonds between India and Hungary
Dr. Mukesh Kumar Srivastava, Director of the ASCC, thanked the guests for joining the celebration, emphasising that such events “build bridges of understanding and friendship between India and Hungary.”
As the last lamps flickered and guests lingered over cups of masala chai, one thing was clear: Diwali in Budapest had become more than a cultural evening. It was a shared moment of light and celebration; a reminder that even thousands of kilometres from India, the spirit of Diwali continues to shine brightly, bringing people together across borders and beliefs.
Explore an exclusive photo gallery from the Amrita Sher-Gil Cultural Centre:
