…Abuja Dandiya Night showcases heritage, deepens people-to-people relations
The Indian High Commission in Nigeria has highlighted the role of the Indian diaspora, estimated at more than 60,000 people, in strengthening economic, social and cultural relations between India and Nigeria.
High Commissioner of India to Nigeria, Ambassador Abhishek Singh, said the community continued to serve as a bridge between the two countries, using cultural exchanges and community engagement to deepen longstanding bilateral ties.
Singh spoke at Dandiya Night 2026, organised by the High Commission in collaboration with the Indian Cultural Association (ICA), Abuja, and the Indian Women Empowerment Association (IWEA), at the Chancery premises in Abuja on October 18.
The event brought together members of the Indian community, heads of diplomatic missions, Nigerian dignitaries and friends of India for a celebration of Indian cultural heritage and the Hindu festival of Navratri.
The celebration featured traditional Indian attire, as well as Dandiya and Garba performances, colourful folk dances associated with Navratri festivities.
Addressing the gathering, Singh highlighted the significance of Navratri and commended ICA and IWEA for their joint efforts in preserving Indian cultural traditions and promoting community participation.
He stressed that the Indian diaspora’s contributions to Nigeria’s economic and social development extended beyond business and professional engagements to include its role in fostering friendship and mutual understanding between the two countries.
The High Commissioner also underscored the importance of cultural diplomacy and people-to-people exchanges in sustaining the cordial relations between India and Nigeria.
He encouraged members of the Indian community to continue promoting their cultural heritage while welcoming Nigerian friends to Indian festivals and celebrations.
The event provided an opportunity for members of both communities and the diplomatic corps to experience Indian traditions, with organisers using the occasion to reinforce the value of cultural engagement in bringing people together across national boundaries.
The partnership between the High Commission, ICA and IWEA also reflected the role of community organisations in sustaining cultural identity among Indians living abroad while creating opportunities for interaction with their host communities.
The celebration reaffirmed the Indian diaspora’s position as an important link between India and Nigeria, with cultural exchanges complementing the countries’ wider diplomatic, economic and social relationships.
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