India, Oct. 17 -- With a slight chill in the air and fairy lights illuminating the grounds, the Embassy of Sweden hosted the Sweden Day Reception in the run-up to Diwali on Wednesday.

It was a blend of cultures: a fusion of gol gappas and classic Swedish meatballs, with desi music like "Mundian To Bach Ke" meeting the iconic Swedish sounds of ABBA's "Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!", and attendees dressed in festive Indian attire, even donned flower crowns, echoing the Midsummer celebrations in Sweden. It was truly a double celebration.

Jan Thesleff, ambassador of Sweden, warmly welcomed the guests with 'Shubh Diwali' wishes, and introduced actor Elli AvrRam, who has strong Swedish roots as she was born there, joined him on stage. He also added a ...