Bishkek, Nov. 6, 2026 /Kabar/. The Indian Embassy in Kyrgyzstan hosted a celebration of Diwali, the Indian festival of lights, in Bishkek, bringing together government officials, diplomats and representatives of the Indian community.
Addressing the gathering, State Secretary of the Kyrgyz Republic Arslan Koichiev highlighted the longstanding historical and cultural ties between India and Central Asia, noting that these relations have developed over centuries and continue to acquire new dimensions.
"India is one of the oldest civilizations on the Earth. The Indian civilization has left a trace in Central Asian history and culture. And at the same time, Central Asians also left a trace in Indian history," Koichiev said.
Koichiev noted that historical sources attest to longstanding interactions between India and Central Asia, dating back to ancient and medieval times and continuing into the present, while taking on new dimensions in the modern era.
The Indian ambassador noted that Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is celebrated across India and by millions of people around the world. Falling on the darkest night of the lunar month, the festival carries an eternal message of the triumph of good over evil, wisdom over ignorance, and hope over despair.
The ambassador noted that this year's celebration was particularly significant following the inscription of Diwali on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December 2025, as India's 16th element on the list.
He described the recognition as a source of pride for India and an acknowledgment of the contribution of its living traditions to global cultural heritage.
Diwali is also a time of renewal, he said. People clean and decorate their homes, resolve differences, strengthen relationships and welcome new beginnings. The festival reminds people that prosperity is meaningful when accompanied by generosity, and that personal happiness grows when shared with others.
In today's world, where societies face uncertainty, divisions and conflicts, the message of Diwali is particularly relevant. It encourages people to choose understanding over prejudice, cooperation over confrontation, and compassion over indifference.
The celebration featured Indian music and dance performances, an Indian saree fashion show, and other festive activities. Guests also had the opportunity to learn about traditional Indian and Kyrgyz attire, including demonstrations of how to wear the Kyrgyz elechek (female head wear) and the Indian turban, highlighting the cultural heritage and traditions of both countries
