Diwali 2014

Ms WORTLEY (Torrens) (16:52): Today I would like to acknowledge the Diwali, or Deepavali, festivals that are taking place across Australia in our Indian communities in the lead up to the special days next week. Marking the start of the Hindu New Year, according to the lunar calendar, this important commemoration is the most widely celebrated festival for people of Indian heritage.

Deepavali literally means 'rows of lights', from the Sanskrit 'dipa' for light and 'awali' for row or line. It is a festival symbolising the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. The Hindu Council of Australia, a national body representing all Australian Hindus (more than 300,000 people) has been celebrating this festival of lights for the past 15 years on a large scale in Australia.

Though there are many legends behind this festival, the Hindu Council of Australia's Deepavali website notes:

in the current world what the festival of lights really stands for is a reaffirmation of hope, a renewed commitment to friendship, religious tolerance, spreading the word of peace and harmony and above all, celebration of 'simple joys of life'.

What a wonderful concept. As our society strives for peace and harmony, the underpinning philosophy of Deepavali provides a real example to follow.

During the festival people pray to the Hindu goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, duty, light, prosperity and wisdom, but also to Ganesha, the Remover of Obstacles and the Lord of Beginnings. In India Lakshmi's statue and images are carried through the streets in processions. Dipa lights—made of clay and filled with oil and with a wick made of cotton wool—are placed outside the houses on floors and in doorways. Doorways and archways may be decorated with mango leaves and marigolds. Deepavali melas, or fairs, are enjoyed by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists alike around the world. During the celebration people exchange gifts and have fireworks, colourful sparklers and bonfires as well as festive meals.

I have really enjoyed getting to know the leaders of the various Indian communities in South Australia and within my electorate of Torrens, listening to their views and concerns. I am told by my friends from India, who have made Australia home, that it is the only time their children are happy to get up before dawn to begin their day. It is a colourful and happy celebration, with input from family members who prepare their homes and themselves for the many festivities that symbolise the victory of spiritual goodness and the lifting of spiritual darkness. Candles are lit and float in bowls of water and flower garlands are made, oil lamps are lit and lollies are shared.

Among my Indian friends in Torrens there are many celebrations and preparations taking place in this year's lead-up to the 23^rd and 24^th of this month for the celebration. I have been invited by members of the Indian-born community in my electorate to join them at the Punjabi Association of South Australia Multicultural Diwali Mela on 19 October from 11am to 9pm at Thorndon Park in Paradise. It is free entry and I am told that everyone is welcome to come and share in the cultural performances, the entertainment, delicious Indian food and fireworks.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all in the Indian community celebrating Deepavali a wonderful time with their families.