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Legislative Council - Fifty-Fourth Parliament, First Session (54-1)
2018-10-17 Daily Xml
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Motions

Diwali Festival

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (16:25): I move:

That this council—

1. Acknowledges the Diwali festival which will run from 5 to 9 November and especially the main celebrations of the third day which will take place on 7 November;

2. Recognises the deep importance of Diwali to the Indian community of South Australia and especially those of the 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 to 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.

It is my privilege to move this motion and also recognise and acknowledge the significance of the Diwali Festival to our Indian community in South Australia. The festivities are a highlight of my social calendar, and I cannot wait to attend this year's event and enjoy the Festival of Lights. The celebration lasts for five days and is celebrated on the 13th day of the lunar month Ashvina to the second day of Karttika, acknowledging the abundance of the autumn harvest.

On the third day, the diyas (or lamps) are lit to symbolise the triumph of good over evil, which inspires the name 'Diwali', which translates into 'the festival of lights'. Diwali also celebrates the goddesses Lakshmi, Kali and Saraswati for their gracious nature. The evening of Diwali is dedicated to Lakshmi, whose blessing is believed to be essential for a peaceful, faithful and prosperous life. The day before Diwali is dedicated to Mahakali, whose strength helps to maintain wealth. Diwali itself is dedicated to the goddess Saraswati, who assists in the battle against ignorance.

Other goods and goddesses are prayed to, depending on the region in India. Sikhs and Hindus celebrate Diwali. In northern India, the return of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman to the city of Ayodhya after they were exiled for 14 years is celebrated, because it marks the beginning of Rama's rule. The citizens of Ayodhya were said to have awaited the return of Rama, their beloved prince, and they lid thousands of lamps to guide Rama to the city. Thus, the darkest night of the year was transformed into a glorious morning.

In the Sikh tradition, Diwali is recognised as the time Guru Hargobind returned to Amritsar from captivity in Gvalior. Those in Amritsar are said to have lighted lamps throughout the city to celebrate the return of the guru. While known as the Festival of Lights, these are diverse celebrations, as it is a time when merchants perform religious ceremonies and open new account books. It is a time for wearing new clothes and is also a time for visiting and exchanging gifts, cleaning and decorating, feasting, and holding fireworks displays.

Our ever growing and diverse South Australian Indian community have bought wonderful benefits to our state. I believe it is important for this chamber to recognise this festival, in part as a way of acknowledging the vast contribution the Indian community has made and is making in South Australia. I encourage members of this chamber to go to their local communities and find their nearest temple or Indian association.

They will all be celebrating Diwali, and I encourage members to join in the festivities. Enjoy their food, their song, their dance and their colours. They will be only too willing to embrace you. This way, you will have a much greater appreciation of the contributions made by the South Australian Indian community. In closing, I wish the best of luck to those partaking in celebrations and wish everyone a happy and safe Diwali.

Debate adjourned on motion of Hon. T.J. Stephens.

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