New Taipei:The 2026 Diwali Festival was celebrated on Saturday at Tamsui Fisherman's Wharf in New Taipei, showcasing Indian music, dance, and cuisine. A Taiwanese high school concert band performed traditional Indian pieces, adding a unique touch to the event.

According to Focus Taiwan, the annual festival was co-hosted by the India Taipei Association (ITA) and the New Taipei City government. It attracted visitors and dignitaries who gathered to experience South Asian traditions and celebrate Indian culture.

Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil, and is traditionally linked with prosperity and new beginnings. National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu, Deputy Foreign Minister Baushuan Ger, and New Taipei City government adviser Ke Ching-chung attended the opening ceremony. They joined India's Representative to Taiwan, Ninad Deshpande, to light traditional oil lamps, marking the occasion.

Deshpande noted that this year's celebration represents a milestone in India-Taiwan relations. EVA Air is set to launch direct flights between Taipei and New Delhi on December 1, restoring nonstop passenger services between the two destinations after six years. "This route is more than just a flight path -- it is a vital bridge deepening our ties in business, tourism, culture, and human connection," Deshpande stated.

The festival, running from 4 p.m. to 830 p.m., featured traditional and contemporary Indian dance performances and food stalls offering dishes like naan and curry. A highlight was a cross-cultural performance by the concert band of Taipei Municipal Chenggong High School, which performed classic Indian pieces. The Taiwanese student band, with a history of over 70 years, embraced the intricate rhythms and nuances of Indian music.