New Taipei:The 2026 Diwali Festival celebration at Tamsui Fisherman's Wharf in New Taipei was marked by vibrant displays of Indian music, dance, and cuisine. The event, held on Saturday, also featured a Taiwanese high school concert band performing traditional Indian pieces.

According to Focus Taiwan, the annual festival was co-hosted by the India Taipei Association (ITA) and the New Taipei City government, drawing visitors and dignitaries eager to celebrate Indian culture and experience South Asian traditions. Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, representing prosperity and new beginnings.

Among the attendees were Taiwan's National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu, Deputy Foreign Minister Baushuan Ger, and New Taipei City government adviser Ke Ching-chung. They joined India's Representative to Taiwan, Ninad Deshpande, in lighting traditional oil lamps, known as diyas, to mark the occasion.

Deshpande noted that the celebration coincided with the upcoming launch of EVA Air's direct flights between Taipei and New Delhi on December 1, marking a significant milestone in India-Taiwan relations. The new route, he emphasized, is expected to enhance business, tourism, culture, and human connections between the two regions.

In conjunction with the festival, the ITA organized a giveaway of two round-trip tickets to celebrate the upcoming direct flights by EVA Air. The festival featured an array of traditional and contemporary Indian dance performances and food stalls offering dishes like naan and curry, running from 4 p.m. to 830 p.m.

A standout feature of the event was a cross-cultural performance by the concert band of Taipei Municipal Chenggong High School. The renowned student band, with a history of over 70 years, delivered a selection of classic Indian pieces, showcasing their ability to embrace the intricate rhythms and unique nuances of Indian music.