The Bank of Kigali joined the Indian community in Rwanda to celebrate Diwali, a major cultural and spiritual festival in Indian traditions, pledging continued financial support to Indian investors operating in the country.
Every year, more than a billion followers of Hinduism, Sikhism, Jainism, and Buddhism across the world celebrate Diwali, a festival deeply rooted in their cultural and religious practices.
The name Diwali originates from the Sanskrit word Deepavali, meaning “a series of lights.”
The festival spans five days, each with a unique significance, with the third day being the main Diwali celebration. It is a time for giving gifts, supporting the underprivileged, and engaging in acts of goodwill aimed at uplifting communities.
In India, the day is so significant that businesses and offices close nationwide as families gather to celebrate, reconcile, and renew bonds of unity.
During the celebrations, worshippers light traditional clay lamps (diyas) and candles, decorating their homes with glowing lights that symbolize the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.
In Kigali, the Indian community—comprising residents and businesspeople—came together on October 11, 2025, to mark this special occasion. The event took place in MD Hill Garden, Kimironko Sector, Gasabo District, bringing together Indians living and working in Rwanda for an evening of joy, cultural exchange, and networking.
The celebration featured performances by renowned Indian musicians, including Bollywood stars Nitin Shankar, Anup Shankar, Mayur Datta, Deepak Walke, Brijesh Shah, Ganesh Thorat, Arif Sheikh, Rupali Ghogare, Jyoti Shankar, Sanchari Sengupta, and Ram Deshpande, who entertained guests with popular Indian songs such as Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and others.
Speaking at the event, Darius Mukunzi, the Head of Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Banking at the Bank of Kigali, expressed the bank’s appreciation for the Indian community’s contribution to Rwanda’s business landscape.
“We are delighted to celebrate Diwali with the Indian community in Rwanda and to recognize their important role in driving business, particularly in manufacturing, healthcare, and trade,” he said.
He further emphasized that the Bank of Kigali remains committed to strengthening financial partnerships with Indian entrepreneurs in Rwanda to support their business growth and investment expansion.
“We believe we are a trusted financial partner for all Indians in Rwanda, offering tailored financial solutions across all sectors—corporate, SMEs, agribusiness, and more. To the entire Indian community, we wish you a bright Diwali filled with happiness, peace, and success.”
According to a Rwanda Development Board (RDB) report, India was among the top investors in 2024, with total investments amounting to $445.1 million across 35 projects, underscoring the growing economic ties between Rwanda and India.
