Arsenal players wish 'Happy Diwali' to all the club's fans celebrating the festival

Mesut Ozil wishes happy Diwali to all Arsenal fans (Photo credit: Arsenal Media Group)

On the special occasion of Diwali, English Premier League side Arsenal have extended their good wishes to all of the Gunners fans celebrating the festival this week. Diwali, also known as the festival of lights, is an ancient Hindu-Sikh festival that marks the victory of light over dark and good over evil. It is one of the most widely celebrated as well as one of the brightest festivals in India celebrated every year across a five-day period.

In a short clip posted on Arsenal’s official Facebook page, some of the players from the squad like Santi Cazorla, David Ospina, Joel Campbell and Laurent Koscielny can be seen lighting ‘diyas’ (clay lamps) with playmaker Mesut Ozil clad in a traditional attire writing the message.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger had recently admitted his love for Indian culture and respect for Mahatma Gandhi. Wenger was quoted on Tuesday: “I am an admirer of Indian culture because, historically, through [Mahatma] Gandhi, when you are a young boy you learn about [his non-violence principles] and it has a special meaning to you.”

The Emirates Stadium in London has a capacity of 60,000, but the club’s fanbase stretches far wider courtesy of the Premier League’s global appeal. Arsenal boasts of 124 officially recognized supporters’ club in more than 62 countries worldwide while another 20 nations have also submitted applications.

Happy Diwali!

For all our fans celebrating this week...

Posted by Arsenal on Tuesday, 10 November 2015