Legislative Council Fifty-Second Parliament, Second Session (52-2) 52 2 Parliament of South Australia Legislative Council published Matters of Interest Diwali Festival DIWALI FESTIVAL The Hon. J.S. LEE Legislative Council The Hon. J.S. LEE (15:34): As the shadow parliamentary secretary for multicultural affairs, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to speak about Diwali, the 'festival of lights'. Diwali is celebrated in a big way in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Mauritius, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Surinam, Malaysia, Singapore and Fiji. This festival is so significant that it is declared an official public holiday in these countries. When I was a child living in Malaysia, it was one of the festivals that I really looked forward to, and I am delighted that this festival is celebrated as part of our multicultural Australia by many active members of the Indian community in South Australia. Diwali or Deepavali, popularly known as the 'festival of lights' is a five-day festival of the Hindu calendar month. It is one of the most important festivals in the Hindu calendar and, this year, the festival was officially celebrated on Tuesday, 13 November 2012. I take this opportunity to wish members of the Indian community in South Australia and around the world a very happy and prosperous Diwali. I place on the record my special thanks to leaders and organisations who have worked very hard to promote the spirit and celebrations in South Australia. Firstly, I would like to thank Mr Moti Visa from Beyond INDIA magazine and Mudra Trivedi from Mudra Dance Academy for inviting me to attend the inaugural Grand Diwali Mela, which was held at Victoria Square in Adelaide on Sunday, 21 October 2012. The organisers put on a spectacular multicultural program that day involving many local and international artists, as well as children's groups. The open concert in the heart of the city attracted thousands of people to Victoria Square. Everyone had a great time enjoying the sensational music, colourful costumes and Bollywood dance routines. It was a truly entertaining event that showcased the wonderful diversity of South Australia. The second Diwali event I attended was the festival of lights Diwali dinner organised by the Punjabi Association of South Australia, which was held on Saturday 27 October. I was joined by my colleague, the member for Morialta, Mr John Gardner. It was a delightful dinner with members of the Punjabi Association delivering spectacular performances on the night and spoiling us with delicious cuisines. Special thanks and congratulations to the President, Dr Kuldip Chugha, his lovely wife, Mrs Gagandeep Chugha, and the committee for organising a wonderful Diwali dinner. I am looking forward to the third Diwali event, the Indian Association of South Australia Annual Diwali Dinner Dance, which will be held next Saturday, 24 November 2012. I congratulate President Dr Surendra Agrawal and his committee for their wonderful efforts to celebrate Diwali and in keeping the traditions alive. I cannot wait to catch up with leaders and friends of the Indian community on this very special occasion. The name 'Diwali' or 'Deepavali' translates into 'row of lamps'. Diwali involves the lighting of small clay lamps filled with oil to signify the triumph of good over evil. Families kept their house clean and these lamps were kept on during the night in order to welcome the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi. Diwali marks the end of the harvest season in most of India. Farmers give thanks for the bounty of the year gone by and pray for a good harvest for the year to come. Goddess Lakshmi symbolises wealth and prosperity, and her blessings will give reassurance for a good year ahead. Firecrackers are used during Diwali, similar to the Chinese using firecrackers during Chinese New Year, to drive away evil spirits. During the Chinese New Year, very similar to Diwali, the celebrants and all of the families wear new clothes and share sweets and snacks with family members and friends. I would just like to wish honourable members and everyone in this chamber a happy and prosperous Diwali.