The Hague: The Embassy of Sri Lanka in the Netherlands hosted a Deepavali celebration at its premises, bringing together members of the Sri Lankan community residing in the country. The event featured traditional Hindu rituals conducted by Chief Incumbent Kurukkal, Gowri Sankara, from the Sri Thurkai Amman Temple in Zeist, Netherlands. The Pooja ceremony aimed to bestow blessings upon Sri Lanka, the Embassy, and the Sri Lankan community in the Netherlands.

According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Sri Lanka, the celebration included vibrant dance performances such as Bharatanatyam by Sri Lankan children living in the Netherlands and students from the Natya Sudha Dance Academy. Additionally, the ‘Swar Deep’ musical performance, which featured Deepavali bajans accompanied by sithar and tabla, captivated the attendees.

Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the Netherlands, Rekha Gunasekera, welcomed the community and highlighted the significance of Deepavali’s message, which transcends religious, faith, and cultural boun
daries. She emphasized the festival’s representation of hope, joy, and the triumph of good over evil, while quoting the President of Sri Lanka’s Deepavali message. The President urged all Sri Lankans to foster a new cultural existence characterized by compassion and critical thought, stressing the importance of cultural, political, and attitudinal transformation for a prosperous future. Chief Incumbent Kurukkal, Gowri Sankara, and President of the Sri Thurkai Amman Temple in Zeist, S. Sritharan, also addressed the attendees.

The Embassy was adorned with traditional Deepavali decorations, including a colorful ‘kolam’, Diwali lights, lamps, and flowers. The event concluded with a reception serving traditional Sri Lankan Deepavali dishes. Attendees appreciated the Embassy’s efforts in conducting the celebration, which reflected Sri Lankan traditions and culture, providing a sense of connection to their homeland.