Deepawali, known as Tihar in Nepal, was celebrated on 27 October 2021 at the Sri Lanka Embassy in Kathmandu.

Deepawali celebrations in Nepal extend over five days starting from 4 November 2021, and is dedicated to the worship Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth and honors Yama, the God of Death.

The Embassy premises were decorated with colourful rangoli designs, traditional oil lamps and illuminations as per the tradition. The event commenced with a special pooja conducted by Pandith Hem Sharma to Goddess Lakshmi invoking Her blessings. Two staff members of the Embassy shared the distinct cultural norms of celebrating the festival in Sri Lanka and Nepal with the participants.

Nepali staff members entertaining the invitees with traditional Nepali songs usually sung during Tihar/Deepawali. The celebration concluded with traditional sweets and refreshments served to the invitees. Sri Lankans residing in Kathmandu, Embassy staff and their families participated at the event.

Embassy of Sri Lanka