The vibrant spirit of Gujarat Statehood Day lit up Limassol on May 1, 2026, marking a significant milestone for the island’s Gujarati community. This year’s 66th Gujarat Statehood Day (Gujarat Sthapana Divas) was celebrated with enthusiasm at the luxurious Parklane Resort & Spa, making it the first grand event of its kind in Cyprus.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
Over 150 guests gathered for this momentous occasion, which was organised by the Gujarati Samaj with the generous backing of the Help2Live Charity Foundation, established by the esteemed Mr Dipak Kumar. The gala served as a testament to the unifying power of culture and community.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
The inspiration for this landmark celebration can be traced back to June 2025 during the visit of Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to Cyprus. While at the Parklane Hotel, he engaged in discussions about the Gujarati diaspora with Mr Dipak Kumar, who expressed a desire to cultivate a stronger sense of community among Gujaratis in Cyprus. This conversation laid the groundwork for the formation of the Gujarati Samaj, spearheaded by Mr Kumar along with co-founders Dharmesh Yadav, Pradip Tiwari, and Chaitas Shah. While prior gatherings had been held, this gala represented their first “mega-event,” showcasing the rich heritage and contemporary vibrancy of Gujarat.
Among the attendees were dignitaries from the High Commission of India in Nicosia, including Shri Subhash Jangala, the First Secretary for Economic Affairs, and Shri Lokesh Kumar, the Cultural Attaché. Their presence underscored the importance of this celebration not just for the Gujarati community but also for the broader Indo-Cypriot relations.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
The evening commenced with a moving performance of the prayer “Achyutam Keshavam” by local children, setting a spiritual tone for the festivities. Guests were then treated to an array of dynamic performances, including traditional Gujarati Garba dances and lively Bollywood routines, which brought the energy of India’s cultural heritage to the Mediterranean shores. The children’s heartfelt performances added an endearing touch, reminding everyone of the importance of passing down traditions.
Artistic innovation was on full display as well, with a captivating Magical Sand Art performance that narrated the history of Gujarat, accompanied by a stunning laser show and an interactive bubble spectacle, all set to the enchanting melodies of Gujarati music. The culinary offerings were equally impressive, featuring a specialised buffet of authentic Gujarati and Indian dishes, allowing guests from Cypriot, Greek, Polish, and Italian backgrounds to indulge in the flavours of Gujarat’s “prosperous and industrialised” state.
The grand finale of the evening was nothing short of spectacular. A pyro-musical fireworks display illuminated the Limassol sky, perfectly choreographed to a backdrop of Indian and Gujarati music. This dazzling show symbolised the “togetherness and friendliness” that the organisers noted is emblematic of the Gujarati ethos.
This celebration also provided an opportunity to reflect on Gujarat’s profound global impact. The state has been the birthplace of iconic leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, as well as industry magnates like Dhirubhai Ambani and Jamsetji Tata. The event reverberated with a sense of pride and legacy, reminding attendees of their roots while embracing the future.
In the words of the event organisers during their welcome address: “Thank you, Mr Dipak Kumar. Today, we are creating history here. For the first time in Cyprus, the entire Gujarati community has come together to celebrate our roots in grand fashion.” Such sentiments echoed throughout the evening, reinforcing the importance of community solidarity and cultural celebration.
