Highlights
- Diwali will be celebrated on November 14
- PM Scott Morrison, Opposition leader Anthony Albanese send special Diwali greetings to the Indian community
- Close to 700,000 Indians call Australia home
Diwali, the festival of lights, one of the most important festivals in the Hindu calendar, will be celebrated on November 14, Saturday across the world.
This year’s celebrations will be subdued across Australia due to COVID-19 gathering limitations.
In his special message to the Indian community, Prime Minister Scott Morrison remarked how Diwali celebrates the victory of light over darkness and drew parallels with how Australia was now gradually emerging stronger from the impact of the pandemic.
"Yes, we have seen darkness this year, but the light is overcoming that darkness,” he said.
“This year, Diwali’s message has a special significance. Every nation on earth is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Lives and livelihoods have been lost as we have witnessed the most dramatic shock in generations.
“Despite this, we have a common hope. Throughout 2020, despite our own fears, we have supported each other, encouraged each other, and stood with each other.
“We have drawn strength and inspiration from our medical professionals, teachers, cleaners, retail staff, police and Defence Force personnel and so many more who have responded to the crisis with compassion and professionalism.
“Around the clock, medical researchers are working on a vaccine – a vaccine that nations like Australia are committed to sharing.
Yes, we have seen darkness this year, but the light is overcoming that darkness. There is light ahead, and there is hope.
“Warmest greetings to everyone celebrating Diwali, the Festival of Lights, it’s a special moment for people of many faiths,” Mr Morrison said in his message.
“Australia is the most successful multicultural nation on earth and at this Diwali, I pay tribute to all those who have brought this tradition to our shores.
Diwali, the festival of lights, one of the most important festivals in the Hindu calendar, will be celebrated on November 14, Saturday across the world. Source: Getty Images/India Picture
“I also acknowledge the hundreds of millions worldwide participating, including many close friends in India.
“I have been privileged to attend Diwali celebrations in the past, and remember those times fondly.
“While this year will, understandably, be different, I thank everyone who is celebrating for finding ways to celebrate while also keeping the community safe.
“At this Diwali, may the hope of our humanity that we have seen throughout this year, dispel the darkness and challenges of our times,” he said.
Opposition leader, Anthony Albanese too extended his wishes for Diwali to the community.
Federal Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese Source: AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts
In a special message, Mr Albanese said he hoped next year people will be able to celebrate the festival of lights together.
“I wish all of you a wonderful Diwali festival. As a celebration of the victory of light over darkness, it is a most welcome and timely antidote to the uncertainty that surrounds us,” Mr Albanese said.
“We have all had to adapt to the realities of the coronavirus pandemic, yet even amid all this upheaval, Diwali will stand tall as a striking expression of your tradition and your spirituality, your devotion and your faith,” added.
Mr Albanese noted how celebrations will be different for the community this year and said he hoped next year people will be able to celebrate it together.
“The pandemic means the nature of your celebrations will be different this year, but what doesn’t change is Diwali’s promise that the darkness will be broken by the light.
“I sympathise with those who aren’t able to return to their ancestral homes, and to those unable to celebrate with their families this year.
“I wish you joy, I wish you good feasting, and I wish by this time next year, we’ll all be gathered together again in the glow of the diyas,” he said.
Close to 700,000 Indians reside in Australia currently, with Indians being the top source of migrants and new citizens to Australia in recent years.
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