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Mon, 2009-10-19 02:04 — editor
Gulf Countries
Kuwait, 19 October, (Asiantribune.com):
In recognition of the beliefs and aspirations of Hindu devotees, the Seva Vanitha Unit of the Sri Lankan Embassy in Kuwait on 17th October organized a “Deepavali Festival” at the Embassy premises with the participation of the Embassy staff, their family members, well-wishers and over 50 inmates of the Embassy Suraksha Nivahana belonging to all faiths.
This is first ever Deepavali festival to have been organized by the Embassy staff in Kuwait. The celebrations began with the lighting of ceremonial oil lamp following which a welcome speech was delivered by Mrs. Ramanika Dissanayake, President of the Seva Vanitha Unit. She welcomed those present for the Deepavali celebrations and appreciated their commitment and support to the Embassy in organizing this Hindu festival in a fitting manner.
In his brief remarks Ambassador Sarath Dissanayake thanked the Seva Vanitha Unit and its members for organizing a Deepavali festival for the first time in Kuwait. He also noted the relevance of Deepavali celebrations for forging unity, peace and harmony among different nationalities of Sri Lanka, at a time a new era of peace and unity has ushered in the country following the defeat of terrorism. He extended best wishes to the Sri Lankan Hindu community in Kuwait for a “Happy and Peaceful Deepavali”.
Mr. A M Indranesan, Attaché delivered a special speech highlighting the relevance of Deepavali for Hindus in particular and Sri Lankans in general for their socio cultural emancipation. He also recalled the historic epic “Ramayanaya” from which he traced the origins of Deepavali which was narrated in the famous Rama – Seetha episode. He thanked the Embassy Seva Vanitha Unit for having organized Deepavali celebrations at the Embassy which was a memorable event for the Hindu community in Kuwait.
The audience was mesmerized by a group of children who dressed in traditional Tamil attire performed a dance depicting the Deepavali “Festival of Lights”. The Seva Vanitha members clad in typical dresses for the occasion performed a Tamil drama and a classical song of Sri Lankan origin.
A fashion dress parade also held for the kids and ladies which was well appreciated by the audience for its elegance and diversity. The models who dressed in attractive and colorful costumes stole the evening much to the delight of all. The winners of the fashion show and dress parade were awarded special prizes. Over 50 Suraksha Nivahana inmates of Hindu faith were delighted that they could celebrate one of their most important festivals on the Hindu calendar thanks to the generosity of the Embassy.
Mr. Sunil Sarath Perera, Minister Counsellor delivered a special message of appreciation while the vote of thanks was readout by Mrs. Kalyani Herath, Minister Counsellor. At the end of the festival all invitees partook in a traditional meal hosted by the Embassy Seva Vanitha Unit. A special tribute was paid by the invitees to the Seva Vanitha Unit members for the hard work and special efforts put in by them to make the Deepavali festival a success.
Proceedings of the event was conducted by Miss Roshana Alie and Mr. M.B.M. Zarook.
- Asian Tribune -
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