Durga Puja
Swiss envoy Maya Tissafi celebrates Navratri in Gujarat, US Envoy Sergio Gor visits Kolkata's Durga Puja pandal
Swiss Ambassador to India Maya Tissafi recently participated in a Garba event in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, celebrating the spirit of Navratri and experiencing the state's vibrant cultural traditions.
Sharing her experience on X, Tissafi described the evening as inspiring and thanked Member of Parliament Hemang Joshi for hosting the event.
“What an inspiring evening, celebrating the spirit of #Navratri, graciously hosted by MP @drhemangjoshimp. The festivities continued with Garba — the traditional folk dance of Gujarat that brings people together in a vibrant celebration of devotion, culture and community,” she wrote.
What an inspiring evening, celebrating the spirit of #Navratri, graciously hosted by MP @drhemangjoshimp. The festivities continued with Garba - the traditional folk dance of Gujarat that brings people together in a vibrant celebration of devotion, culture and community. With around 50,000 people joining the festivities, the energy and unity on display were truly remarkable. Navratri beautifully reflects Gujarat’s rich cultural heritage and the power of traditions to connect people across generations and borders. Warmest wishes to all celebrating Navratri! May the festival bring joy, prosperity and happiness. ✨ #SwitzerlandIndia #Culture #Gujarat #Navratri @SopaanIndia | @AmbassadorMohta | @incredibleindia | @GujaratTourism | @SwissEmbassyIND
— Maya Tissafi (@SwissAmbIND) October 11, 2026
Tissafi said around 50,000 people attended the celebrations, highlighting the energy and unity on display.
“With around 50,000 people joining the festivities, the energy and unity on display were truly remarkable. Navratri beautifully reflects Gujarat’s rich cultural heritage and the power of traditions to connect people across generations and borders,” she added.
The Swiss envoy also extended her greetings to those celebrating the festival, wishing them joy, prosperity and happiness.
“Warmest wishes to all celebrating Navratri! May the festival bring joy, prosperity and happiness,” she said.
India the images shared on X, she could be seen weaing a colourful lehenga.
US Envoy Sergio Gor Joins Durga Puja Celebrations in Kolkata
Meanwhile, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor joined the Durga Puja festivities in Kolkata, visiting several pandals and experiencing the city's vibrant celebrations.
Following his visit, Gor shared his experience on X, praising the artistic creativity, community spirit and warmth that define the festival.
“Great to be back in Kolkata! Visited some beautiful pandals and experienced firsthand the incredible creativity, community spirit, and warmth. I can see why this celebration is so special. Happy Durga Puja to everyone celebrating!” he wrote.
Great to be back in Kolkata! Visited some beautiful pandals and experienced firsthand the incredible creativity, community spirit, and warmth. I can see why this celebration is so special. Happy Durga Puja to everyone celebrating! https://t.co/PsX4imUqhD
— Ambassador Sergio Gor (@USAmbIndia) October 12, 2026
The participation of the Swiss and US envoys in India's major cultural festivals highlighted the appeal of the country's rich traditions and their ability to bring people from different backgrounds together.
While Tissafi experienced the colourful Garba celebrations in Gujarat during Navratri, Gor immersed himself in the grandeur of Durga Puja in Kolkata, joining the festivity.
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