Munyonyo, Kampala: The Indian Association of Uganda, in partnership with the High Commission of India and the Ruparelia Group, has announced the 2025 Diwali and Annual Food Festival slated for Sunday, October 19, at Speke Resort Munyonyo, a vibrant cultural showcase celebrating India’s unity in diversity through food, music, and art.
Speaking to DailyExpress over the weekend, Mr. Paresh Mehta, the Chairman of the Indian Association of Uganda, said this year’s event will bring together Ugandans and members of the Indian community to celebrate Diwali, the Indian festival of lights symbolizing “victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance.”
“We have organized this year’s festival as a way to strengthen cultural ties between India and Uganda, to share our delicacies, and to bring communities together in harmony and joy,” Mr. Mehta said.
“As our actions speak louder than words, our beloved High Commission has joined hands with us, alongside our mentor and trustee, Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, to make this year’s event a success.”
Mr. Mehta noted that Diwali is celebrated globally—including in the United States, the United Kingdom, and across East Africa. “In Kenya, Diwali is gazetted as a public holiday, and here in Uganda, even the President has previously hosted the community for Diwali celebrations at State House Entebbe,” he said.
This year’s celebration, themed “Unity in Diversity,” marks the Association’s renewed commitment to take charge of organizing the festival, which had for years been coordinated under umbrella groups.
“This is a flagship festival that reflects the strong cultural foundation of the Indian community in Uganda and our shared values with the Ugandan people,” he added.
A Feast of Flavors and Culture
Mr. Sasi Nair, the Secretary of the Indian Association of Uganda, emphasized that the festival serves as a platform to nurture moral values, cultural identity, and social harmony among generations.
“We inherited the culture of good behavior, which we must pass on to our children. Diwali reminds us to stay righteous and to uphold the victory of light over darkness,” Mr. Nair said.
“We have registered more than 100 food stalls and 15 cultural performances from different Indian regions. Every diaspora community will be represented. Ugandans and international guests are encouraged to attend and experience the flavors of rural India in one place.”
A Celebration of Lights and Harmony
Mr. Mohammed Vaheed, the Treasurer of the Association, said Diwali derives from the Sanskrit word “Deepavali”, meaning “a row of lights.” “It’s one of the most important Hindu festivals, celebrated globally for its message of hope, renewal, and unity,” Mr. Vaheed said.
“People light lamps, decorate their homes, exchange gifts, and enjoy festive meals. Indian delicacies are renowned worldwide for their flavors and cultural richness, rooted in centuries of history, religion, and social traditions.”
He added that the day will feature music and dance from various Indian states, including professional Bollywood performances, capped with a spectacular fireworks display by Jwala Fireworks, which he described as “a galaxy in the sky.”
“All are welcome to come and enjoy this cultural extravaganza. It’s the biggest Indian cross-cultural platform in Uganda,” he said.
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative news platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp and on Twitter (X) for realtime updates.
