Cyprus Presidential Palace to Host Diwali Celebrations for the First Time
President Nikos Christodoulides to address the ‘Cyprus Glows: Diwali 2026’ event, featuring cultural performances, a formal dinner and charitable donations of around Rs 21 lakh.
NICOSIA, Nov 9: The Presidential Palace in Cyprus is set to host Diwali celebrations for the first time on Monday, marking a significant cultural milestone in the growing relationship between India and Cyprus. The event will feature the traditional lighting of lamps, followed by a cultural programme and formal dinner.
President Nikos Christodoulides will address the celebration, titled ‘Cyprus Glows: Diwali 2026’, organised by the Help2Live Charitable Foundation in collaboration with the High Commission of India in Nicosia, according to an official press release.
The programme will bring together artists George Theofanous, George Papadopoulos and Deepak Stephen of The SalsaTwins, who will participate in the cultural performances.
Help2Live founder Dipak Kumar described the occasion as a special opportunity to introduce the Festival of Lights at the country’s Presidential Palace while supporting charitable initiatives.
“It is a privilege to bring the festival of lights to the Presidential Palace for the first time, and to give back to two causes close to our hearts,” Kumar said. He was honoured with the Bharat-Cyprus Setu Award for Community Service in September 2026.
As part of the celebrations, Kumar announced financial contributions amounting to approximately Rs 21 lakh for two charitable organisations in Cyprus. The Alkionides Charity will receive around Rs 10.5 lakh to support families and patients facing difficulties, while an equal amount will go to the Radiomarathon Foundation, which works for children with special needs.
The celebration also reflects the strengthening diplomatic and cultural relationship between the two countries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Cyprus in June 2025, followed by President Christodoulides’ state visit to India in May 2026.
According to the organisers, the event highlights how bilateral friendship is expanding beyond diplomatic engagements to include cultural exchanges and closer connections between Indian and Cypriot communities.
In another significant development, UNESCO included Diwali in its list of the world’s intangible cultural heritage in December 2025, recognising the festival’s cultural importance and traditions.
The organisers said that ‘Cyprus Glows’ aims to bring communities together through shared celebrations while supporting meaningful social causes.
The Help2Live Charitable Foundation has been operating in Cyprus for the past 15 years, working towards community welfare and humanitarian initiatives.
