Festival of Lights celebrations begin
Monday 20 October 2008
Followers of Hinduism, one of the world’s most ancient religions, will soon be celebrating its largest festival.
The Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services, Laurie Ferguson, today extended his best wishes to those Australians who are about to celebrate Deepavali.
‘Deepavali, shortened to Diwali in North India, is also known as the Festival of Lights, literally named for the "rows of lamps" that are lit in celebration,’ Mr Ferguson said.
Festival celebrations often begin before the actual date (this year, 28 October) and symbolise the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.
‘Deepavali is a positive and uplifting celebration that represents hope, renewal, forgiveness and compassion,’ Mr Ferguson said.
Deepavali is becoming more widely celebrated in Australia, due to increasing migration from the Indian sub-continent and of the Indian, Tamil and Sinhalese diasporas from around the world including Fiji, Malaysia, Singapore, South Africa, Kenya and the United Kingdom.
Like the Chinese and Lunar New Year celebrations, Deepavali is growing in popularity among the wider Australian community.
‘In the past few years the NSW and Commonwealth Parliaments have been the sites for Deepavali celebrations. This is in recognition of the growing prominence of the Hindu community in this country, ‘ Mr Ferguson said.
‘I wish all Australians celebrating Deepavali the very best,’ he added.Media Contact: Sarah Gestier-Garstang - 0432 283 020
URL: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au
/parlsec/media/media-releases/2008/lf08061.htm
Last update: 20 October 2008 at 12:11 AEST