Daijiworld Media Network - Riyadh
Riyadh, Nov 9: Union Minister for Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju celebrated Diwali with members of the Indian diaspora and distinguished Saudi guests at a dinner hosted by Indian Consul General in Jeddah, Fahad Suri, at his residence in Saudi Arabia.
The celebrations featured traditional dance performances and cultural programmes, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Sharing photographs and glimpses of the event on X on Monday, Rijiju said he celebrated Diwali at a dinner hosted by Suri in Jeddah, bringing together members of the Indian diaspora and prominent local guests.
He said the gathering reflected the warmth of the Indian community and the enduring friendship between India and Saudi Arabia, while extending Diwali greetings to everyone.
Addressing the gathering, Rijiju expressed his pleasure at returning to Jeddah for the third time, describing each of his visits as memorable, meaningful and purposeful.
He said Diwali had become more than just a festive occasion, providing an opportunity to bring Indians and friends of India, particularly Saudi well-wishers, together.
Highlighting India's diversity, the minister said the country was home to people belonging to different religions and speaking various languages. He also thanked Saudi friends for their friendship and participation in the celebrations.
Meanwhile, Rijiju conveyed India's appreciation for Saudi Arabia's continued commitment to the welfare of Haj pilgrims and reaffirmed the strong partnership between the two countries.
He also stressed their shared commitment to ensuring the successful conduct of Haj 2027.
According to the Indian Consulate General in Jeddah, Rijiju made these remarks during a Ministerial Conference chaired by Saudi Arabia's Minister of Haj and Umrah, Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al Rabiah.
The Union Minister also attended the inaugural ceremony of the 6th Haj Conference and Exhibition in Jeddah, along with Indian Consul General Fahad Suri and Joint Secretary (Haj) Mohammad Afzal.
Rijiju further joined other visiting ministers in an interaction with Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Governor of the Mecca region.
Following his engagements, Rijiju shared another post on X, reiterating the importance of strengthening the India-Saudi Arabia partnership through cooperation on the welfare of pilgrims and the successful conduct of Haj 2027.
He said he attended the inaugural ceremony of the 6th Haj Conference and Exhibition 2027 in Jeddah along with the Indian Consul General and Joint Secretary (Haj), and participated in the official meeting of heads of delegation chaired by Saudi Arabia's Minister of Haj and Umrah.