Chinese Consul General’s Unique Diwali Celebration in Indian Village

Mewati Sitaram

In a distinctive and culturally enriching gesture, His Excellency Kong Xianhua, the Consul General of China in Mumbai, broke away from the traditional Diwali exodus of diplomats to explore the heart of rural India. Choosing to celebrate the Festival of Lights in Girjavade village, located in the Sangli district of Maharashtra, CG Kong Xianhua embarked on a journey to understand and appreciate the essence of Indian village life.

Accompanied by his young colleagues and fellow diplomats from the consulate, CG Kong Xianhua’s primary objective was to gain firsthand insights into the lives of Indian villagers. This marked his inaugural posting in India, and he was eager to explore villages and identify opportunities for rural development.

Girjavade village left a lasting impression on the Consul General. The countryside exuded a sense of cleanliness and order, with farmers maintaining impeccably tidy homes and perpetually smiling faces. Infrastructure-wise, the rural roads were well-maintained, offering smooth and easy drives to various destinations. Every household in the village had access to water and electricity, while a robust 4G signal ensured connectivity with the rest of the world.

China CG Welcomed in Girjavade village

The hospitality of the villagers was exemplary, as they warmly welcomed CG Kong Xianhua and his delegation with garlands and intricately painted Rangoli at the village’s entry points and individual homes.

A memorable aspect of the visit for the Consul General was participating in traditional Indian customs, such as sitting on the floor during meals. Kong Xianhua appreciated the delicious and healthy rural Indian cuisine, particularly relishing Masala Dal and Roti. Engaging in healthy conversations over meals, the Chinese delegation exchanged gifts with distinctive Chinese characteristics, fostering cultural exchange.

Reflecting on the visit, CG Kong Xianhua expressed his belief that the future of China-India relations rests on the connections forged by the people of both nations. Emphasizing the importance of strengthening bonds and fostering mutual understanding, he underscored the need for increased people-to-people interactions, advocating for the construction of more bridges and roads to connect the citizens of both countries.

Responding to inquiries about his decision to visit an Indian village, CG Kong Xianhua shared a personal connection, revealing that he had lived in a small village in northeast China during his youth. Expressing surprise at the development and advancement of Indian villages, he remarked, “Villages in India are the best developed and more advanced.” He contrasted this with the transformation of Chinese villages over the past decades, acknowledging the positive changes and development witnessed in his home country. The Consul General emphasized the value of experiencing village life in India, providing a unique perspective for himself and his young colleagues, who grew up in the rapidly developing era of China.