Indian diaspora celebrates ‘Noor-e-Diwali’ at Indian Consulate in Jeddah

The Indian community in Jeddah, led by Telugu organisations, celebrated Diwali under the theme ‘Noor-e-Diwali’ at the Indian Consulate. Prominent Saudis and diplomats attended the event featuring cultural performances, music, and traditional rituals symbolising unity and Indian heritage

Jeddah: For the faithful, the diyas symbolise the enduring victory of good over evil — a light that continues to shine across borders and generations. The enthusiastic NRI community, with a significant presence of the Telugu diaspora, representing various Indian states, celebrated the Diwali festival under the theme ‘Noor-e-Diwali’ with pomp and gaiety on Thursday evening at the Indian Consulate in Jeddah amidst traditional rituals.

For the first time, prominent Saudis and foreign diplomats also attended the Diwali event. “The Indian Consulate values the contribution of the Indian community in promoting Indian culture and tradition,” said Md Fahad Khan Suri, Consul General of India, while inaugurating the event.

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Cultural performances from various Indian states, accompanied by music, thrilled the audience. JTM, a Telugu community organisation, along with JTS and Maharashtra Mandal, organised the performances.

The folk dances presented by women from Maharashtra left the audience mesmerised. “We felt like we were at home,” said Usha Kiran from Yadagirigutta in Yadadri district of Telangana, who participated in the Diwali celebrations for the first time in Saudi Arabia.

“For Indian families in Saudi Arabia, Diwali is more than a festival — it’s a bridge to home, a way of staying rooted while living miles away,” commented SATA president Mallesan, a Telugu community leader. “Diwali inspires us to kindle the light of positivity and extinguish the darkness within,” said Durga Bhavani of JTM, another Telugu community organisation.