Diwali festival, which is a national holiday for Indians, was celebrated at the Sheraton Addis on Friday in connection with the Ethiopian Millennium,

Speaking at the occasion, Ambassador Mohamoud Dirir said the joint activities being carried out by Ethiopia and India are testimonies of the fact that the bilateral relations of the two countries are improving particularly during the new Ethiopian new millennium.

The official visit of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi to India set the relation of the two countries in a firm foundation, he said.

Indian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Gurijit Singh for his part said that the Embassy would further step-up its participation in the celebration of the new Ethiopian Millennium.

The activities of the Indians to stage various cultural performances in Africa's diplomatic city, Addis Ababa would enable to boost the cultural ties between the two countries.

Every Indians residing in Ethiopia is playing role to shore up Ethio-India relationship, while the Embassy has been striving for the enrichment of people-to-people ties, the Ambassador said.

India is a country, which properly utilized its cultural values for economic growth, he said.

Mayor of the Addis Ababa Care Taker Administration, Berhane Deressa also said that a lot is expected from every Ethiopian citizen with a view to enabling the country utilize its cultural resources for its economic development.

Bihu Folk Dance, one of the famous folk dance groups in India that came here as part of the Embassy's participation in the Ethiopian Millennium celebration staged folk dances. Candle vigil was also held.

One of the biggest festivals of Hindus, Deepawali or Diwali in India is celebrated with lots of enthusiasm and happiness.

This festival is celebrated for five continuous days, with the third day being celebrated as the main Diwali or as 'Festival of Lights'.

Senior government officials and Ambassadors of various countries attended the festival.

R-3:58-:4:32P.M

E-6:40-6:49

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