Diwali Festival

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (16:04): I move:

That this council—

1. Acknowledges the Diwali Festival which will run from 12-16 November and especially the main celebrations of the third day which will take place on 14 November 2020;

2. Recognises the deep importance of Diwali to the Indian community of South Australia and especially to those of Hindu, Sikh and Jain faiths;

3 Recognises the importance of those of Indian descent in South Australia and their ongoing contributions to our great state;

4. Notes the important message of Diwali, which focuses on the triumph of good over evil, knowledge over ignorance and light over dark;

5. Encourages all members of parliament to take the message of Diwali to heart and ensure they strive to enlighten the world through their works and continue their fight against evil; and

6. Wishes those celebrating this festival a happy and safe Diwali.

Today, I would like to bring to the house's attention the upcoming festival of Diwali. Diwali, or Dee-Pali, is a term referring to row of lights befitting the radiant display of light it entails. This year the festivities shall be held between 12 and 16 November. The five-day celebration of Diwali begins after the summer harvests and holds deep meaning to many ethnic communities of the Indian subcontinent, especially the Hindus, Sikhs and Jains. It is celebrated in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Trinidad and Tobago, Mauritius, Malaysia, Singapore and the many western countries with an Indian diaspora. Here in Adelaide a robust celebration is also held.

For the Hindus, the significance of the festival changes across regions. One tradition speaks of an avatar of the god Krishna liberating captured girls after killing a demon king, while another focuses on the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after defeating Ravan, a symbol of evil in the Indian epic Ramayana.

Many Hindus play tribute to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity on Diwali, and some link the festival to the goddess Kali, who symbolises the victory over evil. Prayers are also offered to the goddess of Saraswati, who embodies wisdom and learning.

The Jains celebrate Diwali to commemorate Mahavir's descent to moksha, or liberation. Mahavir was the 24^th and final spiritual leader who achieved freedom from the cycle of reincarnation on Diwali. The gods are said to have illuminated heaven with lamps to mark the occasion of this nirvana.

In Sikhism, Diwali can coincide with Bandi Chhor Divas, the day of the release of the sixth Sikh guru from captivity, along with 52 Hindu princes from the Mughal emperor Jahangir's prison. The legend states that Guru Hargobind refused to leave without the princes also in captivity and, upon negotiation, was allowed to take only the princes that could hold onto his coat. He is said to have outsmarted the Moghul emperor and freed all the princes imprisoned with him by wearing a special coat with 52 coat-tails.

Similar to the variety and significance behind Diwali across different religions, there is no particular way to celebrate Diwali, with marked differences between how every community and region celebrates. However, there remains a consensus on it being the festival of light. It is the celebration of the prevalence of light, goodness, knowledge and wisdom over darkness, evil and ignorance. The third day marks the darkest night of the Hindu calendar, and clay lamps illuminate the night.

Diwali is not limited to displays of lights via lamps and firecrackers but also involves a celebration of family and life. Houses are cleaned in anticipation. Gifts are exchanged, feasts prepared, and tributes made to the gods. It is one of the highlights of the Indian calendar, loved by children and adults alike. In Adelaide, the Diwali Mela is held annually to mark the occasion with a variety of music and dance performances along with traditional Indian food. I look forward to it very much, and I encourage members of this chamber to attend a Diwali festival—there are quite a number around, even though they will be COVID compliant—and pay your respects to their very important festival.

Debate adjourned on motion of Hon. J.S. Lee.