The celebration commenced with the Pooja performed by Srinivasakurukal of Sri Ganesh Temple and Srikumar Kurukal of the Bielefeld Murugan Temple.

Delivering his speech in Tamil language on the occasion, Ambassador Amunugama said that symbolically Deepavali is a new start of life focused on togetherness; "this is the occasion that we forget and forgive our differences to build relationships with our family and friends, and among communities.  Sharing love and affection among each other and starting a new life with harmony signify the festival", the Ambassador highlighted.

A special prayer was made by the Chief Priest of the Bielefeld Murugan temple together with the participants for peace, prosperity and happiness of all Sri Lankans.

Over 150 Sri Lankans with their families participated in the event. Delicious Hindu traditional food (Blessed Prsad) was served on the occasion.(KH)