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House of Assembly - Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1)
2024-10-30 Daily Xml
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Diwali Festival

Mr FULBROOK (Playford) (12:52): It is my pleasure to rise and move:

That this house—

(a) recognises that Deepavali/Diwali is a significant time of thanksgiving for Hindus around the world, but is more broadly celebrated by many faiths and cultures;

(b) acknowledges the significant contribution to our society and economy made by South Australia's Indian community, as one of our largest migrant communities; and

(c) wishes those who celebrate, a safe and peaceful time with their loved ones.

As each year progresses, the prominence of Diwali as both an event and celebration in South Australia takes on greater meaning, and so it is with great honour that I have been given the opportunity to bring this motion to the chamber.

In putting this together, I would like to thank my very good friends at BAPS Green Fields, or to say in full (just once) Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha. From that effort, while I speak with the best intentions, I do ask in advance for forgiveness for my Anglo tongue.

While the five-day celebration means a lot more to people than sheer numbers alone, it cannot be ignored that the Indian community is growing significantly in South Australia. According to the 2021 census, 44,881 people born in India live here, up from 27,592 recorded in the previous census of 2016, and now account for 2.5 per cent of the state's population. Today, this is the second most common overseas country of birth behind England at 5.3 per cent.

In pointing out these significant numbers, just because someone is born in India it is not necessarily a sign that they will be observing Diwali. It should also be noted that the festival is not just observed by those of Hindu faith. The Jains and Sikhs also observe their own version of this celebration, and the Newar Buddhists celebrate Diwali by worshipping Lakshmi, while I understand that Hindus of Eastern India and Bangladesh generally celebrate Diwali by worshipping the goddess Kali.

Irrespective, the celebrations represent the same symbolic victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance and good over evil. While this festival has deep religious roots, its significance beyond these in South Australia is on the rise. I can recall first joining in the celebrations back in 2014, when my good neighbour Raj Sing invited me to his house to share in the occasion. This is not a unique story, but I mention it to help underline how generous these faiths have been in sharing what they cherish with a growing number of South Australians from outside the faiths, keen also to join in.

For those still unfamiliar, Diwali is also known as the Festival of Lights, celebrated on Aso Vad Amas, as per the Hindu calendar, and signifies the victory of good over evil. I understand that Hindu families begin preparing for Goddess Lakshmi's arrival weeks in advance by decorating their porches with colourful designs or rangoli, preparing special dishes and lighting up lamps known as diyas.

On the night before Diwali, devotees light their diyas, symbolically asking Bhagwan to expel their ignorance and enlighten their souls. Lights, candles and fireworks play an integral part of the decor and festivities. The festival starts on Dhan Teras, when devotees pray to the Goddess Laxmi for ethical economical prosperity and success in their careers. The festivities then continue, with Sharda Pujan, when businessmen and students purify their accounting ledgers and academic books.

To touch on a few other elements, aspects of the celebration may include house cleaning, wearing new clothes, visiting friends and loved ones, exchanging gifts, decorating houses and much feasting. I should seize upon the fireworks and point out that the show held by BAPS in Green Fields is spectacular. The good thing is that you do not just have to take my word for it, as this will be on full display tomorrow. Last year Michael Brown, the member for Florey, and I celebrated with thousands of locals and Hindus, all from across Adelaide, further reinforcing the significance and meaning Diwali takes to the broader community.

It is something that the BAPS community is keen to share with everyone and I am also pleased that, work permitting, we will be joined by the Premier for part of the evening. In the meantime, today in parliament we are being treated to a reception hosted by Zoe Bettison, the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, to celebrate Diwali and Annakut. This is now the second time our parliament has held this significant event, and it has been made possible with the support of BAPS and the Hindu Organisations, Temples and Associations (HOTA) forum.

It should also be mentioned that the event heralds the Annakut, which is the day after Diwali, Kartak Sud 1 (New Year's Day as per the Hindu calendar), and marks the beginning of the new year. On this day an annakut or a mountain of food is offered to Bhagwan as a symbol of appreciation and gratitude, where devotees lovingly prepare delicacies and offer them while singing the devotional song known as thal.

While we are privileged to enjoy to enjoy annakut within parliament, back within my community in Green Fields this is something I love to partake in, having supplied carrots and zucchinis from my garden in previous years. At one point I was worried that I would be bereft of an offering, but I am pleased to say there is some healthy lettuce growing in my garden, and I am keen that I do not break the habit.

While some positive circumstances have lured me to BAPS in the heart of my electorate, their celebrations alone are just some of the offerings across South Australia as Diwali is celebrated. On 12 October the Desi Swag Association hosted a record-breaking 10,000 people at the multicultural Adelaide Diwali Mela in Woodville North. A week later at the Wayville Showgrounds we saw the Hindu Council hosting their annual Diwali Mela, which not only brought the Hindu community together for the event but also made it an opportunity for all South Australians to come and take part in their celebrations.

While I know that I am only scratching the surface on major Diwali events across Adelaide, I am pleased to share with colleagues that these two events were proudly held with the assistance of the Malinauskas government. In bringing this motion to the chamber it is also an opportunity to acknowledge the significant contribution made to our society and economy by South Australia's Indian community.

While it has seen significant growth in recent years, the first known Indian migrants arrived in South Australia in the 1830s and have been making a profound contribution ever since. As the colony grew and the community around it, South Australians of Indian origin made their presence felt in industries such mining and the pastoral sector. It should also be noted that Indians were amongst the original Afghan camel men, who came to Australia in the 19th century to support transport supplies. This was a slightly loose and inaccurate term applied by authorities to describe those working on inland transport routes and, while many were Afghan, history should not—sir, I seek leave to continue my remarks.

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: It is automatic, I have just been told.

Leave granted; debate adjourned.

Sitting suspended from 13:00 to 14:00.

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