Diwali Celebrated At Cyprus Presidential Palace For The First Time, Marks India-Cyprus Friendship

Diwali was celebrated at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia, Cyprus, for the first time, bringing together members of the Indian community and their Cypriot friends for an evening of cultural festivities and goodwill.

Titled “Cyprus Glows: Diwali 2026”, the November 9 celebration was organised by the Help2Live Charity Foundation under the theme “A Night of Light, Culture and Friendship”. Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides was scheduled to address the gathering, according to a notice issued by the Presidency of the Republic.

The programme began with the symbolic lighting of lamps and featured traditional Indian cultural elements, including diyas, rangoli and mehendi, followed by live music and a three-course gala dinner.

Greek composer and producer George Theofanous, singer-songwriter George Papadopoulos and Deepak Stephen of The SalsaTwins were among the performers at the event.

Adding a charitable dimension to the celebrations, Help2Live founder Dipak Kumar announced donations totalling €20,000 (approximately Rs 21 lakh) to two Cyprus-based organisations. The Alkionides Charity and the Radiomarathon Foundation will each receive €10,000 to support their respective initiatives for families and patients in need and children with special needs.

Kumar said bringing Diwali to the Presidential Palace for the first time was a privilege, adding that the festival's message of light becomes more meaningful when shared with others.

The celebration comes amid strengthening diplomatic and cultural relations between India and Cyprus. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Cyprus in June 2025, while President Christodoulides undertook a state visit to India in May 2026.

The event also follows UNESCO's inclusion of Diwali in its Intangible Cultural Heritage list in December 2025, recognising the festival's cultural significance.