Italian ambassador Antonio Bartoli
We did the same again this year, trying our hand at learning some of India’s traditional customs and dances,” told us the ambassador about his Diwali plans this year. For Italian Ambassador Antonio Bartoli, Diwali is no longer just a festival he gets to experience in India; it has become a celebration close to his heart. With this one being his third Diwali here, the lights, colours, rangolis and festive cheer have found a special place in his home and at the Italian Embassy. And what better way to celebrate than bringing everyone together? With henna-adorned hands, colourful rangolis, good food, music and a few attempts at Indian dance moves, it was an afternoon filled with laughter, learning and togetherness. We caught up with the ambassador to talk about his growing love for Diwali and the connections he sees between Indian and Italian traditions. “This is my third Diwali. It is a celebration that has by now become part of our home and our Embassy. It is a time of joy, friendship and also spirituality. I enjoy celebrating it with my family and some Indian friends. I particularly like the lights, the colours and the spirit of generosity and giving. The colourful and joyful markets mirror our Christmas ones. The enthusiasm and anticipation with which the houses are decorated during this time of the year also replicates our Christmas mood, with everyone and especially children looking forward to exchanging gifts, eat delicacies with family and in general, welcome overall happiness. Each year, we gather with the Embassy staff to admire the artistic rangoli, share food, music and dancing. For Ambassador Bartoli, each Diwali has also brought a deeper understanding of the festival and the values it represents. Explaining how his understanding about the festival has evolved over time, the ambassador pointed out, “I have come to understand more fully Diwali’s deeper meaning – the importance of family, the strength of community bonds, the value of generosity and, above all, the message of hope and renewal that lies at its heart. Light defeating darkness. Good prevailing over evil. These are universal human aspirations. On the Easter’s eve Catholic liturgy, we light up candles to dispel darkness. Like your diyas, flame passes from one candle to the other. It’s a symbol of Resurrection. He also believes that Italy and India share a special connection through their values, deep-rooted traditions and the importance they attach to family.
Earlier this week, Ambassador Bartoli, along with his wife Ester and the Embassy staff, soaked in the festive spirit, dressed in traditional Indian attire.
This is one of the reasons why we attach great importance to the Italy-India Year of Culture and Tourism in 2027. Because it reminds us that hope is never something passive – it is something we build every day, through our choices, our actions and the way we relate to others, the message of light overcoming darkness is particularly powerful. “Festivals like Diwali offer a unique opportunity to build bridges between cultures. This allows us to discover each other’s country not only through history, art or institutions, but also through the everyday lives of the people, their traditions and the values they pass on from one generation to the next. It will be an opportunity not only to showcase the extraordinary richness of our respective cultures, but also to encourage Italians and Indians to discover each other’s festivals and ways of life. And as the festival brings people together in the spirit of hope and happiness, Bartoli has a message for everyone celebrating Diwali. “May the spirit of Diwali inspire us all throughout the year – let’s continue to look at the future with confidence, while never underestimating the power of kindness and solidarity. The flame of the candle must be protected and passed on. I wish India continued peace, prosperity and opportunities for all its people. And I wish that the friendship between Italy and India continue to flourish and grow, bringing our people closer and contributing to a world built on dialogue, mutual respect and cooperation. My warmest wishes to everyone in India for a very happy Diwali! You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test Get the latest Lifestyle News and more. Download the TOI app.