Macron Extends Diwali Greetings to Indians Worldwide
The French president marked the festival of lights with a message posted on Instagram in English and Hindi.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Hinduism
French President Emmanuel Macron extended Diwali greetings to Indians worldwide through an Instagram post in English and Hindi. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese separately extended Deepavali greetings to communities worldwide.
Why it matters
The greetings reflect government outreach to the Hindu diaspora and to the wider communities that observe the festival. They highlight Diwali's growing recognition as a shared celebration across several countries.
Macron's post used the instrumental version of 'Jai Ho' by AR Rahman, from the film 'Slumdog Millionaire,' as background music. The message wished unity, peace, and hope to recipients.
The players
Emmanuel Macron
Emmanuel Macron is the President of France.
Anthony Albanese
Anthony Albanese is the Prime Minister of Australia.
The details
Macron shared a photograph with a Diwali message on Instagram, written in English and Hindi. Albanese described Deepavali as a celebration of the victory of light, noting it is observed by Hindu, Jain, Sikh and Buddhist communities.
Timeline
Greetings were issued on November 8, 2026.
Culture Shift
Official greetings from heads of state in France and Australia show Diwali being recognized beyond South Asia as a festival marked by lighting diyas, prayers and family gatherings. The messages reflect the festival's place among Hindu, Jain, Sikh and Buddhist communities worldwide.
Readers observing Diwali can take the greetings as an invitation to light diyas and gather with family, as the festival is marked through prayers and cultural celebrations. The posts show the festival being acknowledged in public messaging across several countries.
The takeaway
Recognition from national leaders underscores how Diwali is observed across faiths and borders, with the festival of lights marked through diyas, prayers and family gatherings. Readers can mark the occasion by joining in those traditions.
Further reading
Explore more on Hinduism and the festivals observed by its communities.
