Diwali and Diwaniya bring Kuwait and India closer through shared heritage
Indian Ambassador highlights cultural ties, educational opportunities and investment prospects at joint celebration
The Times Kuwait Report
Kuwait and India’s longstanding friendship was celebrated through a unique cultural gathering that brought together two cherished traditions, Diwali and the Diwaniya, highlighting the shared values and deep-rooted historical connections between the two countries.
The Ambassador of India to Kuwait, H.E. Paramita Tripathi, stressed the importance of strengthening cultural communication through initiatives that celebrate the heritage of both nations and promote greater understanding between their peoples.
Speaking on the sidelines of the ‘Diwali and Diwaniya’ event, attended by Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs Nawaf Suleiman Al-Ahmad and several heads of diplomatic missions, the ambassador described the gathering as a distinctive example of cultural and human rapprochement between Kuwait and India.
Diwali, widely known as the Festival of Lights, is one of India’s most important festivals, while the Diwaniya remains one of Kuwait’s most prominent social traditions, providing a space for hospitality, dialogue and community interaction.
Ambassador Tripathi explained that the idea of bringing the two traditions together was inspired by their recognition on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2025. Celebrating them together, she said, offers an opportunity to deepen cultural understanding and strengthen the friendship between the two countries.
The event combined the welcoming atmosphere of the Kuwaiti Diwaniya with the festive decorations associated with Diwali, reflecting the distinctive character of both cultures. The ambassador also expressed appreciation for the warmth and hospitality she had experienced since arriving in Kuwait, particularly the openness of Kuwaiti society and its interest in learning about other cultures.
Kuwait, a second home
Tripathi said she had never felt like a stranger in Kuwait, describing the country as a second home. She noted that the Diwali celebration held in Kuwait carried a special significance for her because of the close connections she had developed with Kuwaiti society.
She pointed to the many values shared by Indian and Kuwaiti cultures, including hospitality, respect for elders and openness towards other communities. The two countries also share a longstanding commercial and historical heritage.
Highlighting the close people-to-people connections, she observed that many Kuwaitis regularly visit India, sometimes spending a month or two there each year. Some have also developed a familiarity with Indian languages, including Malayalam.
Encouraging young people to explore India
The ambassador encouraged Kuwaiti youth to visit India, discover its cultural diversity and experience its rich heritage. She also highlighted the potential for greater cooperation between the business communities of the two countries, particularly by encouraging young entrepreneurs and business leaders to explore new opportunities for investment and exchange.
On education, Ambassador Tripathi expressed her hope of welcoming more Kuwaiti students to Indian universities, noting that discussions with the relevant Kuwaiti authorities on the recognition of Indian universities are continuing. She expressed optimism that several institutions would receive accreditation in the near future, creating wider opportunities for Kuwaiti students to benefit from India’s educational institutions.
Expanding investment opportunities
Turning to economic cooperation, Ambassador Tripathi said Kuwaiti investors and companies had already established a presence in India and achieved positive results by taking advantage of available opportunities. Some Kuwaiti companies have offices in India, reflecting the growing commercial engagement between the two countries. She said India looks forward to attracting further Kuwaiti investments and expanding its economic presence in Kuwait, building on the strength of bilateral relations and the potential for broader cooperation.
The ambassador’s remarks underscored how cultural exchange, education and economic partnerships can reinforce the longstanding friendship between Kuwait and India, creating new opportunities for cooperation while preserving the traditions that connect their peoples.
