- Abuja Dandiya Night celebrates cultural heritage, promotes people-to-people diplomacy
The Indian High Commission in Nigeria has underscored the strategic role of the country’s more than 60,000-strong Indian diaspora in strengthening bilateral relations, promoting cultural understanding and deepening economic and social cooperation between India and Nigeria.
High Commissioner of India to Nigeria, Ambassador Abhishek Singh, described the Indian community as a vital bridge between the two countries, noting that its contributions extended beyond business and professional engagements to include cultural diplomacy, community development and the promotion of mutual understanding.
Singh spoke at Dandiya Night 2026, organised by the Indian 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 attracted members of the Indian community, heads of diplomatic missions, Nigerian dignitaries and friends of India for a vibrant celebration of Indian cultural heritage and the Hindu festival of Navratri.
The celebration featured traditional Indian attire, colourful folk dances and energetic Dandiya and Garba performances, showcasing cultural traditions associated with Navratri and offering guests an opportunity to experience India’s rich cultural diversity.
Addressing participants, Singh highlighted the cultural and spiritual significance of Navratri, commending ICA and IWEA for their collaboration in preserving Indian traditions, encouraging community participation and promoting cultural engagement among Indians living in Nigeria.
He emphasised that the Indian diaspora remained an important asset in relations between both countries, serving as a link between their peoples while contributing to Nigeria’s economic and social development.
According to the High Commissioner, sustained interaction between communities is essential to building lasting relationships, fostering trust and reinforcing the longstanding friendship between India and Nigeria.
He also stressed the importance of cultural diplomacy and people-to-people exchanges in complementing formal diplomatic engagements and strengthening cooperation across different sectors.
Singh encouraged members of the Indian community to preserve their cultural heritage while opening their traditions to Nigerians and other friends of India through festivals, celebrations and community activities.
The Abuja celebration provided a platform for cultural interaction among members of the diplomatic corps, the Indian community and Nigerian guests, demonstrating how shared experiences can promote understanding across national, cultural and religious boundaries.
The collaboration between the Indian High Commission, ICA and IWEA also highlighted the contribution of community organisations to maintaining cultural identity among Indians abroad while creating opportunities for meaningful engagement with their host communities.
Beyond the festivities, Dandiya Night underscored the broader diplomatic significance of cultural exchanges in strengthening international relations. By creating opportunities for Nigerians to experience Indian traditions firsthand, such events help build connections that complement diplomatic dialogue and economic partnerships.
India and Nigeria maintain longstanding relations spanning trade, investment, education, technology and other areas of cooperation. The Indian community in Nigeria continues to form an important part of these ties, linking businesses, professional networks and social institutions across both countries.
The celebration reaffirmed the Indian diaspora’s position as a key people-to-people link between India and Nigeria, demonstrating how cultural heritage and community engagement can help sustain bilateral friendship and deepen mutual understanding.
