This is Swedish Ambassador Petra Menander’s first Diwali in India, and the festival has already become her favourite time of the year. While shopping for earthen diyas and painting a few of them at SN’s Matka Market, she tells us jokingly, “This can be my second career. I am genuinely enjoying painting these diyas.”Thanking the shopkeepers with a ‘dhanyavad’ and greeting them with a ‘namaste’, Ambassador Petra Menander walks through the market lanes dressed in her festive best.She tells us that she is looking forward to celebrating her first Diwali in India. “There is something wonderful about a festival that transforms homes, streets, markets and entire cities with light, colour and celebrations.
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It is interesting to see how families and friends come together and experience the warmth of Indian hospitality. My visit to Matka Market in Sarojini Nagar, Delhi, has made the excitement even more real. I picked up earthen diyas, bandhanwars and other festive decorations to bring a little Diwali magic into my home. It was lovely to see how much thought and creativity go into preparing for the festival,” says the ambassador.She also shares that she has a keen interest in textiles and sustainable fabrics, thanks to her grandmother. “I am always drawn to traditional crafts and the stories behind them. While painting diyas at the market, I realised that pottery may be the next skill I would like to learn! It gave me a new appreciation for the artistry and hard work of local artisans. I was also struck by how the use of earthen diyas reflects a connection to both tradition and sustainability, values that are close to Sweden’s heart as well,” she tells us.Talking about the celebrations at the Embassy, the ambassador shares that they will celebrate together with colleagues by decorating the premises with rangoli and marigold flowers, lighting diyas and, of course, enjoying some Indian food.“What strikes me most is that Diwali is about so much more than lights and decorations. You can feel the excitement and anticipation everywhere – in the streets, in the markets and in people’s homes. There is a sense of joy and festivity in the air. One thing I particularly appreciate is how Diwali brings families and friends together. The emphasis on reconnecting, sharing happiness and making time for loved ones is something I find very meaningful. As someone living in India, I have come to appreciate this warmth and sense of community, and it is lovely to experience it first-hand.”The ambassador points out that Lucia is a Swedish festival that shares similarities with Diwali.“Growing up in Sweden, Lucia was a reminder that even in the darkest winter, light returns, symbolising the triumph of light over darkness. Experiencing Diwali in India, I see a similar message expressed in a different and much grander way. In many ways, there is a beautiful parallel with Diwali – the idea that light brings hope and a sense of togetherness.Sweden’s Lucia tradition is celebrated in December, during the darkest time of the year. Children and adults dress in white, carry candles and sing together, bringing light and warmth into the winter darkness. For me, Diwali also reflects values that are important to Sweden, including sustainability and a close connection to tradition. Across India, many families continue to light earthen diyas made from natural materials by local artisans. It is a beautiful example of how cultural heritage can go hand in hand with sustainability and support local communities,” she says and adds that they also celebrate Midsummer, when families and friends gather outdoors to welcome the longest days of the year.“It is a joyful celebration of nature, food, music and community. The traditions may look different, but the sentiment is similar – whether it is lighting a diya in India or a candle in Sweden,” she explains.Cultural celebrations like Diwali play a role in strengthening our strategic partnership. “It is wonderful to see how Diwali has become a part of Sweden’s cultural landscape. The Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Sweden’s Prime Minister have extended Diwali greetings to people in India, reflecting the importance Sweden attaches to its relationship with India. Across Sweden, various cultural organisations host local Diwali melas (fairs), music concerts and community dinners that bring together people from diverse backgrounds. These celebrations help bring India and Sweden closer,” she says.As she heads back to the Embassy with her diyas and other Diwali purchases, she tells us, “Diwali is already my favourite time of the year in India. As Sweden’s Ambassador to India, I am deeply touched by the warmth and beauty of this festival, the glow of diyas, the sharing of sweets and the coming together of families and communities. My warmest wishes to everyone in India for a very happy Diwali! May this Diwali strengthen the friendship between Sweden and India. Dil se Deepawali ki shubhkamnayein!”
