Annapurna Indian Women’s Club is celebrating Diwali, India’s most spectacular festival, on Oct. 14.

The celebration will kick off at the Hotel Millennium Hilton Seoul at 7 p.m. The evening will be full of fun and gaiety, with gourmet Indian food prepared and served by two chefs who are flying in from India for the occasion.

Diwali is one of many events celebrated by both countries as part of the Festival of India in Korea and Festival of Korea in India. Diwali has gained popularity and is being celebrated by more and more Koreans and expatriates in Seoul.

The theme of this year’s event is Bollywood and Korean movies. A professional Bollywood dance group led by famous singer Penaaz Masani will be performing, French wine will be served and raffles held. 

The festival is based on the legend of Lord Rama’s return from exile and symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. It is also an occasion to get together and share the joy with family and friends.

The message of Diwali ― also known as the festival of lights ― is to dispel the gloom of ignorance with the glow of knowledge and learning. Diwali falls on the New Moon day, and small earthen lamps lit by millions of families in the villages and cities of India light up the sky as fireworks fly with a thundering roar.

The board of the Annapurna Women’s Club comprises 10 women, led by Kusum Tayal, wife of the Indian Ambassador, and has looked into every aspect of making this year’s gala a success.

The Gala combines fun and food with a good cause. Funds raised every year are given to suitable charitable causes in the Republic of Korea and in India. Last year 10 charities in India and four charities in Korea were supported by the funds collected at the Gala.

Annapurna Indian Women’s Club was created in 1997 by a group of Indian women who felt the need for a forum as the number of Indian families in Korea grew during the 1990s.

The club offers networking opportunities to its members and is a boon to Indian women from India, the U.S. and other countries who are new to Korea. Members share their experiences and information ― from where to buy Indian spices and fresh vegetables to which shop in Dongdaemun has the best fabric for sarees.

Amongst their monthly activities, the club organizes visits to museums, picnics and self-help classes. The club has been celebrating Diwali for the last 10 years.

Tickets are 140,000 won and there is a dress code. Contact annapurna.seoul@gmail.com to buy tickets.

By Kusum Tayal