On behalf of the Coalition, I send my best wishes to Australians of the Hindu faith for your Diwali celebrations.
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, holds a significant place in the hearts of Hindu communities across the world. Diwali is more than a celebratory occasion. It also symbolises the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.
Across Australia, many Hindu families will mark Diwali by illuminating their homes with diyas, dressing in traditional clothes and sharing gifts and sweets. During the Festival of Lights, many parents will recount to their children the epic of the Ramayana – Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king, Ravana. That story encapsulates the enduring importance of perseverance through difficulty and the value of faith and truth in our lives.
More than 680,000 people practice Hinduism in Australia. And every year, testimony to our nation’s migration and multicultural success story, increasing numbers of Australians from all backgrounds attend a growing number of Diwali celebrations.
As Australians of the Hindu faith gather to celebrate Diwali, I wish you well for your celebrations. And I thank you for your contributions to our nation in many fields of endeavour.
May the radiant festival of Diwali bring light, prosperity and happiness.
Shubh Diwali.
Hon Peter Dutton MP
Leader of the Opposition
November 2023