Top News

Japanese Ambassador ONO Keiichi arrived in India last year in October, just a week before Diwali , but he could not celebrate the festival. But this year the ambassador is celebrating Diwali with the embassy staff almost a week before the festival. Dressed in a traditional kurta-pajama set, paired with a bundi jacket, the ambassador lights diyas , makes phoolon ki rangoli and pops in a boondi ka laddoo for our shoot. Bringing together elements from both Indian and Japanese cultures, he poses with diyas and Japanese dolls in the background.

“This is my first time experiencing Diwali here, so I am really enjoying everything!” he exclaims, adding, “I was here for Holi, but I could not really celebrate Diwali last time. For me, the most important thing is to celebrate Diwali with embassy friends and colleagues. From what I have understood, the festival of lights gives the message of righteousness, goodwill and harmony among the people.”


While discussing the festival’s background, Keiichi finds a common thread between Japanese and Indian culture . “Diwali is about righteousness and that goodwill will always prevail, we find this in Japanese traditional stories and plays too. So, we have that commonality in Indian and Japanese culture . I wish all the Indians a very Happy Diwali. Japan and India have been very close friends, not just diplomatically but we share culture, history and religion, so let’s celebrate together,” he concludes on a joyous note.