(From Left to Right): US President Donald Trump, French President Macron, Australian PM Anthony Albanese, UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake
From US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and leaders of the UAE and Sri Lanka, world leaders joined India in celebrating Deepawali 2026. The global celebration of India’s civilisational and cultural heritage, highlighted the universal message of peace, prosperity, unity, compassion and the triumph of light over darkness.
International organisations, foreign diplomats and Indian missions also marked the occasion through cultural programmes and community gatherings, showcasing India’s rich civilisational heritage and growing cultural soft power across the globe.
As India celebrates Deepawali, greetings have poured in from across continents, reflecting the growing global recognition of the Festival of Lights. From a diya-lighting ceremony at the White House to Ramayana performances in Paris and community celebrations across North America, the festivities have demonstrated how India’s ancient cultural traditions continue to build bridges across nations and communities.
In the White House, US President Donald Trump hosted a Deepawali gathering at the Oval Office on November 6, Friday, bringing together senior administration officials, Indian-American representatives, entrepreneurs and business leaders.
India’s Ambassador to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra attended the celebration alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio, FBI Director Kash Patel, US National Institutes of Health Director Jay Bhattacharya, IBM CEO Arvind Krishna, Micron Technology CEO Sanjay Mehrotra and celebrity chef Vikas Khanna.
A moment of shared light in the Oval Office. 🪔
Honored to celebrate Diwali with President @realDonaldTrump and proud to gift him with a copy of the Hanuman Chalisa, Tulsidas's hymn to Lord Hanuman that millions of us recite for courage, devotion and strength.
As the diyas were… pic.twitter.com/mokbCpy9JT
— Vishal Gondal (@vishalgondal) November 6, 2026
Entrepreneur Vishal Gondal, founder and CEO of GOQii Technologies, presented Trump with a copy of the Hanuman Chalisa. Sharing photographs of the occasion, Gondal described it as a moment of shared light and said his prayer was for stronger India-US friendship and the triumph of light over darkness.
The tradition of celebrating Deepawali at the White House began in 2003 under former President George W Bush. In 2009, Barack Obama became the first US President to light a diya during the celebrations at the White House.
French President Emmanuel Macron extended Deepawali greetings to Indians in India, France and across the world, emphasising the festival’s message of unity, peace and hope. “Wishing all my Indian friends in India, France and around the world, a very happy Diwali! May its light inspire us to ever uphold unity, peace, and hope!” Macron wrote on Instagram. He also shared his message in Hindi, signifying the deep bond shared between New Delhi and Paris.
President @EmmanuelMacron shares his Diwali greetings on Instagram.
राष्ट्रपति @EmmanuelMacron ने इंस्टाग्राम पर दीपावली की शुभकामनाएँ साझा कीं।
🪔 🇫🇷🤝🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/URu86oU7ED
— French Embassy in India 🇫🇷🇪🇺 (@FranceinIndia) November 8, 2026
France’s diplomatic establishment also participated in the celebrations. The French Embassy in India shared a video featuring Ambassador Dr Thierry Mathou and embassy staff marking the occasion through traditional festivities. Lighting a brass diya decorated with marigold flowers, Mathou said, “Diwali is a beautiful celebration of life, hope and new beginnings. May this festival bring joy to every home and continue to strengthen the bonds of friendship between France and India”.
À l’occasion de Diwali, le SVCC de Paris a donné vie à l’intemporel Ramayana à travers un spectacle captivant, mêlant récit et marionnettes en sacs en papier, proposé par Usha Venkataraman.
Alliant une narration expressive à des chants en tamoul, hindi, marathi, anglais et… pic.twitter.com/dykNP9l9AW
— India in France (@IndiaembFrance) November 7, 2026
In Paris, the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC), presented the Ramayana through storytelling and paper-bag puppetry. Artist Usha Venkataraman’s performance featured songs in Tamil, Hindi, Marathi, English and Telugu, showcasing India’s linguistic diversity and storytelling traditions to an international audience.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also conveyed his greetings, describing Deepawali as the celebration of the victory of light and an occasion that brings communities together across religious and cultural boundaries.
Highlighting its significance for Hindu, Jain, Sikh and Buddhist communities, Albanese described the festival as an ancient tradition of spiritual renewal, generosity and new beginnings. He also acknowledged the Indian diaspora’s contribution to Australia’s multicultural identity, observing that Deepawali had become an intrinsic part of modern Australia.
Australian High Commissioner to India Philip Green marked his final Deepawali in the country with members of the Australian High Commission, describing the gathering as a memorable occasion filled with warmth, festive cheer and dancing.
🪔🇦🇺 WATCH: PM ANTHONY ALBANESE’S SPECIAL DIWALI MESSAGE TO AUSTRALIANS! 🇮🇳✨
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has extended his warm wishes to Hindu, Jain, Sikh and Buddhist communities celebrating Diwali 2026.
🗣️ “We can all take pride and joy in just how… pic.twitter.com/aPRmMlwfkZ
— The Australia Today (@TheAusToday) November 6, 2026
Leaders from the Gulf also joined the celebrations, reinforcing Deepawali’s message of harmony and goodwill. UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan wished people celebrating the festival in the Emirates and around the world good health, happiness and prosperity. UAE Vice President and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum also extended greetings, expressing hope that the occasion would bring peace, hope, goodness and prosperity.
📸 #BurjKhalifa lights up with a 'Happy Diwali' message in Hindi and English, extending festive greetings to Indians across the UAE. #Diwali2026 #Dubai pic.twitter.com/5Men3Y451T
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) November 8, 2026
Seychelles President Patrick Herminie highlighted the Indian community’s contribution to his country’s cultural heritage and economic and social development. Noting that Seychelles is marking 50 years of independence, Herminie said the occasion offered an opportunity to reflect on five decades of diplomatic relations with India. He described the Indian community as an integral part of the country’s national fabric and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation and people-to-people ties.
"For generations, the Indian community has been an integral part of our national fabric, enriching our cultural heritage, contributing to our economic and social development"
Patrick Herminie, Seychelles President's Diwali message: pic.twitter.com/486hYTfVsp
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) November 8, 2026
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake described Deepawali as one of the most sacred festivals of the Hindu community, symbolising the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. Referring to Bhagwan Krishna’s victory over Narakasura, he said that the festival offered an opportunity to reaffirm the values of love, compassion and humanity. He called for a society founded on kindness over hatred, coexistence over division and justice over injustice.
It is with great pleasure that I extend my warm greetings on the occasion of Deepavali, one of the most sacred religious festivals of the Hindu community, which symbolises the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.
Commemorating the victory of Lord Krishna,…
— Anura Kumara Dissanayake (@anuradisanayake) November 7, 2026
In Venezuela, Acting President Delcy Rodriguez participated in Deepawali celebrations organised jointly by the Venezuelan government and the Embassy of India in Caracas. The event brought together ministers, senior government officials and members of the diplomatic corps. Rodriguez conveyed greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India. Venezuelan artists also presented an Indian classical dance performance, showcasing India’s cultural heritage.
Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov extended warm greetings, highlighting the festival’s message of sharing light as a reflection of the enduring friendship between India and Russia. In a video message, Alipov said the lamp of Deepawali carried the message that light never diminishes through sharing but increases. He expressed confidence that mutual respect, goodwill and trust would continue to strengthen bilateral relations.
Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also extended greetings, wishing peace, renewal and hope to people celebrating the festival. “As millions around the world light their diyas to celebrate the victory of light over darkness, Israel extends warm wishes for peace, renewal and hope. May the lights of Diwali shine not only in homes but also in hearts”, the ministry said.
On the occasion of Diwali – Festival of Lights, the Govt of Venezuela and the Embassy hosted a celebration at Caracas. It was graced by Acting President H.E. Delcy Rodriguez, Ministers, senior government authorities and the diplomatic corps.… pic.twitter.com/Fp37vyUot9
— India in Venezuela (@IndiaVenezuela) November 8, 2026
International organisations also acknowledged the festival’s growing global significance. United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk described the glow of a diya as a reminder of how small efforts can dispel darkness and bring positive change. The United Nations highlighted traditional clay lamps as symbols of hope, the pursuit of knowledge and prosperity, extending wishes for a happy and safe Deepawali.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) also conveyed greetings to communities celebrating Deepavali across the region, wishing them joy, togetherness and cherished moments with their families. Several foreign diplomatic missions in India organised special celebrations. The Embassy of the Republic of Korea hosted a diya-decorating workshop, while the Embassy of Japan organised a special Deepawali lunch.
European Union Ambassador to India Jean-Eric Paquet recalled his first Deepawali experience in India, describing it as a beautiful occasion with lights illuminating every corner. Norwegian Ambassador May-Elin Stener shared a festive video, while the German Ambassador to India and Bhutan and Danish Ambassador Rasmus Abildgaard Kristensen also conveyed their greetings.
Indian diplomatic missions extended the celebrations through cultural programmes and community gatherings, particularly across the United States and Canada. In the US, New York Governor Kathy Hochul proclaimed November 8, 2026, as Deepawali in the state, recognising the contributions of the Indian-American community.
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson also declared the day as Deepawali in Washington State and participated in celebrations at the state’s Legislative Building alongside Indian diplomatic representatives and State Senator Manka Dhingra. The Consulate General of India in Boston participated in celebrations at the Providence State House in Rhode Island, attended by Congressman Gabe Amo and East Providence Mayor Roberto “Bob” DaSilva.
In San Francisco, the Indian mission highlighted a Rangoli exhibition at San Francisco International Airport, introducing international travellers to India’s traditional art forms. Consul Raju Sharma also attended celebrations organised by the Brahma Kumaris Silicon Valley in Milpitas.
In China, the Consulate General of India in Shanghai celebrated Deepawali with the Tamil community at an event organised by Tamil Sangamam, described as the country’s oldest Tamil community organisation. Consul General Pratik Mathur highlighted India’s civilisational philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the world is one family.
The Indian missions in Toronto and Jeddah also extended festive greetings, wishing people peace, prosperity and harmony. Through its message of light, knowledge, compassion and togetherness, Deepawali continues to strengthen India’s soft power, cultural connections with the world, reinforcing the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and the shared aspiration for global peace and prosperity.
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