Ireland and India Unite for Durga Puja Celebration, Marking 75 Years of Diplomatic Relations

The Ireland Embassy in New Delhi is commemorating 75 years of Ireland-India diplomatic relations with a cultural collaboration at Kolkata's Durga Puja festival. Irish and Indian artists will create a unique pandal, celebrating shared values and cross-cultural creativity, symbolizing the deep-rooted connections between both nations.

The Ireland Embassy in New Delhi is commemorating 75 years of diplomatic relations between Ireland and India. To mark the occasion, the embassy has announced a unique cultural collaboration for Kolkata's renowned Durga Puja festival, where Irish and Indian artists will craft a spectacular pandal at Behala Nutan Dal.

Reflecting on the long-standing partnership, Ireland's Ambassador to India, Kevin Kelly, emphasized the strong ties between the two nations, stating, "Ireland and India share a robust and growing partnership that goes beyond diplomatic relations. Our peoples are connected through education, culture, and shared values."

Among the notable initiatives for the anniversary is a collaboration between celebrated Irish cultural group Macnas from Galway and Kolkata's Behala Nutan Dal. This project features a striking Durga Puja pandal that honors both the Hindu goddess Durga and the Celtic goddess Danu, celebrating the fusion of Irish and Indian creativity.

Ambassador Kelly highlighted the significance of Durga Puja, saying, "Durga Puja in Kolkata is one of the most awe-inspiring festivals I have ever witnessed. The energy, creativity, and community spirit are unparalleled." This collaboration, facilitated with the Honorary Consul of Kolkata, Mayank Jalan, symbolizes the growing global recognition of Durga Puja as a platform for cross-cultural dialogue.

Additionally, the bilateral relationship between Ireland and India has seen significant growth over the past seven decades. Ireland is now home to over 100,000 Indians, making them the third-largest immigrant group after Polish and British nationals. The cultural links between Ireland and West Bengal have been established for over a century, further exemplified by Rabindranath Tagore's connection with Ireland's famous poet, William Butler Yeats.

(With inputs from agencies.)