By Neshalatha Govarthnapany
It was raining during the 8th Embassies Festival of Food and Culture held here in Prague earlier this June. That, however, seemed to have not deterred anyone from coming and having a blast at the annual event.
From morning till evening, the area was alive with colours, music, and aromas as 56 countries presented
their heritage through food, crafts, and traditional performances.
Among the participants was the Embassy of Malaysia. Chargé d’Affaires Amirul Zaki Fadzir took part in the opening ceremony and welcomed visitors to experience Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage. In partnership with Sansho, a Prague-based fusion restaurant known for its Southeast Asian influences, the Malaysian booth featured iconic dishes such as nasi lemak, satay, and teh tarik, as well as local Malaysian-made products from brands like BOH and Rose Amina.
Traditional clothing, games, and crafts were added to the cultural display.
In today’s interconnected world, events like this remind us that globalisation is not just an economic force, it is also cultural. One no longer needs to cross borders to experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of distant lands. Right in the heart of Prague, visitors had the chance to explore diverse cultures, some for the first time, without ever leaving the city.
This kind of cultural exposure does more than entertain. It builds bridges between communities, challenges stereotypes, and fosters acceptance. By tasting a traditional dish, hearing a language that is unfamiliar, or dancing to music that isn’t one’s own, people connect with stories different from theirs and discover common ground.
It reminds us that the world is made up of people of many skin colours, languages, cuisines, and ways of life. In an increasingly globalised world, the goal is no longer to fit into one cultural mould, but to embrace diversity. Gone are the days of being boxed into the belief that one culture or way of living is superior to another.
Events like this encourage global understanding, mutual respect, and a celebration of shared humanity.
Despite the wet weather, the enthusiasm of visitors and the dedication of the participating
embassies turned the day into a celebration of global unity and cultural pride-a reminder that
diversity, when shared, enriches us all.
Neshalatha Govarthnapany (Nesha Pany) is doing her Ph.D specialising in Addiction Science at Charles University, Czech Republic. Recently relocating to Italy as part of her doctoral journey, she embraces the chance to explore Europe while staying deeply connected to her roots in Malaysia. With over a decade of experience in Malaysia’s public healthcare system, she has dedicated her career to serving marginalised communities, including individuals living with HIV and those battling drug addiction. Alongside her research, Nesha practices alternative healing, embodying a holistic philosophy on life and well-being.