The Maltese Indian Community celebrated Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights along with their Maltese friends and family with much fanfare on November 5 at the Westin Dragonara Hotel in St Julian’s.

The evening began by honouring the goddess of wealth Lakshmi Mata with a dance number dedicated to her. This was then followed by several toe-tapping Bollywood and classical dance numbers choreographed and performed by the local Indian community, along with several of their Maltese friends.

Many of the Maltese men and women joined their Indian counterparts and dressed in stunning ethnic saris and salwar and churidhar suits. A raffle with several exciting prizes was followed by an open floor where the Maltese also joined in to dance to Bollywood music and create a joyous, multi-cultural atmosphere.

Diwali is considered to be a festival that celebrates light and the victory over evil and darkness – and the atmosphere at the event certainly indicated joy, love and peace between the communities.

Chief guests for the evening were Opposition leader Simon Busuttil and Education Minister Evarist Bartolo.

Guests at the festival included Opposition leader Simon Busuttil and Kristina Checuti.