Indian envoy graces Diwali celebration at Okada Manila
By Monsi A. Serrano
Indian Ambassador to the Philippines His Excellency Shri Harsh Kumar Jain graced the Diwali: Lights of Home celebration hosted by Okada Manila at The Coral Lounge on November 2, 2026, bringing together members of the Indian community, business partners, guests, and friends in a celebration of India’s cultural heritage and the growing ties between India and the Philippines.
Ambassador Jain attended the celebration with his wife, Shrimati Vandana Jain, and their family. Okada Manila formally welcomed the Ambassador with a ceremonial garland, while flowers were presented to his wife as symbols of warmth, respect, and friendship.
Beyond the celebration of Diwali, the gathering reflected the people-to-people connections that form an important part of India-Philippines relations, while also providing a setting for members of the Indian community and the Philippine business sector to connect.
The relationship between India and the Philippines continues to offer opportunities in trade, technology, infrastructure, and investment, with greater business engagement between the two countries providing potential avenues for Indian companies seeking to expand their presence in the Philippine market.
Their partnership also carries a broader strategic dimension as India strengthens its engagement in the Indo-Pacific, where the Philippines remains an important partner given its strategic location and role in the region.
India’s diverse cultural heritage took center stage during the evening, with performances showcasing different regions of the country through dance and music.
The program featured a Dhol Welcome Parade by Desi Matters, Bhangra associated with Punjab, a Naachography performance inspired by the festivals and folk traditions of West India, and a showcase highlighting the diverse communities and cultural heritage of Northeast India.
The Okada Manila Entertainment Group also delivered the opening performance, while Rav Singh of Desi Matters provided live DJ entertainment during the networking session.
Complementing the cultural presentations was a sumptuous spread of Indian-inspired cuisine prepared by Okada Manila, which delighted both Indian guests and other attendees. The menu featured Crispy Pani Puri with Indian-Spiced Mango Salsa, Tandoori Chicken Sushi Roll with Spicy Chili Glaze, Chettinad Prawns in Coconut Curry, Lamb Galwati Kebab with Mint Yogurt, Steamed Cupao with Creamy Murgh Makhani, and an Indian Masala Veg Burger.
Desserts included Gulab Jamun Choux, Saffron White Chocolate Macaron, Mango Lassi Eclair, and Cardamom Pistachio Tartelette.
The event’s official Indian cultural partner was the Indian Cultural Association of the Philippines (ICAP). Event partners included Shroff Travel, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), and Air India.
Raffle activities were also held during the evening, with ten winners receiving ₱10,000 worth of Free Play across two draws. In partnership with Air India, one grand-prize winner received a round-trip ticket to New Delhi, India.
Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, is traditionally associated with the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. At Okada Manila, the celebration offered a platform for the Indian community to share its culture with Filipino guests and friends while strengthening connections among the two countries’ communities and business sectors.
As India and the Philippines look toward deeper cooperation in people-to-people exchanges, trade, technology, infrastructure, investment, and the Indo-Pacific, cultural occasions such as Diwali underscore the importance of relationships that extend beyond government-to-government engagement.
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