The High Commission of India in London played host, for the second year, to a sparkling Christmas celebration.
The festive gathering brought together members of the diaspora, representatives of Indian churches, parliamentarians and community leaders to enjoy a glittering showcase of soulful music and food and wine from different regions of India.
Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendía, representing the Catholic Church as Pope Francis’ Apostolic Nuncio to Great Britain, returned as chief guest.
He said: “The Holy Father prayer for all of us this Christmas is that we may grow in fraternity, generosity and understanding, building stronger bonds of friendship and mutual respect, especially in this time when the world is in such need of healing and reconciliation.”
Decked out with multiple Christmas trees, India House rang out to the tunes of jazz and carols led by talented Indian opera singer Anando Mukerjee and the Bernardi Music Group, who had the audience singing along to ‘Silent Night’ and ‘Joy to the World’, among other classics.
Vikram Doraiswami, Indian High Commissioner to the UK, said: “In all parts of India, joy of the festive season is celebrated with equal gusto by all members of all communities and that to me is both the magic of the festive season and the magic of India.
“We ask you to share with us in this very difficult moment globally the fact that we have this message of hope, joy, love and sharing that comes to us in Christmas and reminds us afresh, most of all, that our common humanity is all that matters.”
The address was followed by the cutting of a Christmas cake, crafted by celebrated Goan-origin chef Clanny Rodrigues, and guests went on to explore coffee, mulled wine and other highlights courtesy the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), part of the Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
