Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The High Commission of India in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Indian community in Nigeria to preserving its cultural heritage while contributing to the growing relationship between both nations.
The Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria ,who stated this in Abuja, at the Dandiya Night 2026 in celebration of India’s rich cultural heritage and the Navratri festival, also highlighted the importance of cultural diplomacy and people-to-people exchanges in strengthening relations between India and Nigeria.
The event, organised in collaboration with the Indian Cultural Association (ICA), Abuja, and the Indian Women Empowerment Association (IWEA), brought together members of the Indian community, heads of diplomatic missions, Nigerian dignitaries and friends of India for an evening of cultural performances, traditional Indian attire, Dandiya dancing and Garba, reflecting the vibrancy of Indian traditions and the spirit of unity associated with Navratri.
Speaking at the event, India’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Abhishek Singh, highlighted the cultural and spiritual significance of Navratri, while commending the ICA and IWEA for their collaborative efforts in preserving Indian traditions and promoting community engagement.
He noted that cultural celebrations such as Dandiya Night provide valuable opportunities to share India’s heritage with Nigerians and strengthen the bonds of friendship between the two countries.
“Cultural diplomacy and people-to-people exchanges remain important instruments for deepening the longstanding and cordial relations between India and Nigeria,” Singh said,
While emphasising the role of cultural engagement in promoting mutual understanding, the High Commissioner also underscored the significant contribution of the Indian diaspora in Nigeria, estimated at more than 60,000 people, to the country’s economic and social development.
“The Indian community continues to serve as an important bridge between India and Nigeria through its contributions to business, social development and cultural interaction”, he said
He encouraged members of the community to sustain efforts to promote Indian culture and traditions while welcoming Nigerian friends and other guests to Indian festivals and celebrations.
The Dandiya Night featured traditional dances associated with Navratri, a major Hindu festival celebrated with devotion, music and dance across India and by Indian communities around the world.
Dandiya and Garba, which are particularly associated with celebrations in Gujarat and other parts of western India, brought colour and energy to the gathering, offering guests an opportunity to experience the country’s cultural diversity and festive traditions.
The joint organisation of the event by the High Commission, ICA Abuja and IWEA also highlighted the importance of community partnerships in preserving cultural identity and creating platforms for intercultural engagement.
The celebration comes against the backdrop of longstanding diplomatic and economic relations between India and Nigeria, with cultural exchanges continuing to complement cooperation between the two countries.
Through festivals and community activities, members of the Indian diaspora help promote greater awareness of Indian traditions while encouraging interaction with their Nigerian hosts.
Dandiya Night 2026 therefore served not only as a celebration of Navratri but also as a platform for strengthening friendship, fostering mutual respect and promoting closer ties between the peoples of India and Nigeria.
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