Indian Community Celebrates Culture, Strengthens Nigeria Ties at Abuja Dandiya Night
Oru Leonard
The Indian community in Abuja has celebrated its rich cultural heritage at the 2026 edition of Dandiya Night, an annual festival organised by the Indian Cultural Association (ICA), Abuja, in collaboration with the Indian Women Empowerment Association (IWEA).
The event, held on Sunday, October 18, at the Indian High Commission Hall in Abuja, brought together members of the Indian community and friends of India in Nigeria for an evening of traditional music, dance, cuisine and cultural exchange.
Tagged “Dance, Celebrate, Connect,” Dandiya Nite ’26 celebrated the spirit of Navratri, a major Hindu festival, through the energetic performances of Dandiya Raas and Garba, traditional Indian dances characterised by rhythmic movements and the use of colourful decorated sticks.
Participants, dressed in vibrant traditional Indian attire, filled the venue with lively performances, folk music and festive excitement, creating an atmosphere of cultural pride, friendship and togetherness.
The Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Abhishek Singh, welcomed guests and participated in the celebrations, highlighting the importance of cultural events in fostering mutual understanding and strengthening relations between India and Nigeria.
The organisers provided Dandiya sticks for participants, while food stalls offered a variety of authentic Indian delicacies, including samosas and other traditional dishes.
A major highlight of the evening was the presentation of awards to outstanding participants in the Best Dressed and Best Dancers categories. The awards recognised creativity, cultural expression and dancing skills among attendees.
The organisers said the celebration was designed to unite members of the Indian community, promote the values and traditions associated with Navratri, and provide an opportunity to share India’s rich cultural heritage with Nigerians.
They noted that the annual gathering also served as a platform for fostering friendship and strengthening social connections among members of the Indian community and their Nigerian friends.
The event ended on a high note, with participants celebrating cultural diversity, community solidarity and the enduring friendship between India and Nigeria.
Dandiya Nite ’26 further demonstrated the role of cultural diplomacy in bringing people from different backgrounds together and promoting closer ties between the two countries.
