There was a last-minute addition to the guest list at the Diwali celebrations held at the Great Hall at the Australian Parliament House in Canberra on Monday evening.
It was none other than Prime Minister Scott Morrison who joined his colleagues Josh Frydenberg, the Treasurer, Alan Tudge, the Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure, David Coleman, the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs, Senator Zed Seselja, the Assistant Minister for Finance, Charities and Electoral Matters and the Leader of the Opposition, Anthony Albanese among other dignitaries to mark one of the most important festivals for Hindus across the world.
“Friends, for more than fourteen years, the doors of this Parliament have been thrown open to celebrate Deepavali. And this is getting bigger and bigger every year, like everything in India does,” Prime Minister Morrison said in his opening remarks at the event hosted by the Hindu Council of Australia.
“The turnout tonight is wonderful and there is a great spirit about the gathering we are having here this evening. And we join with hundreds of millions around the world participating in this 2,500-year-old festival of faith.
“A wonderful celebration of light over darkness. Of knowledge over ignorance. Of good over evil,” the Prime Minister said to members of the community gathered to celebrate Diwali in the Parliament.
The Prime Minister likened Australia’s multiculturism with the Indian concoction of spices – Garam Masala.
Source: Supplied
“There are many metaphors which are given to explain multiculturalism in Australia. But the one I like best is garam masala,” the Prime Minister said.
“Getting the cloves, the cardamom, you put it all together. You have one of them on their own - rubbish. It doesn’t leave a good taste in the mouth. But when you blend them all together, you taste them, you grind them up – wow,” he said to thunderous applause.
Earlier on Monday, the Prime Minister sent his special wishes to the Indian community celebrating Diwali in Australia.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison hailed the Indian community when he attended the Diwali celebration in Sydney in 2018. Source: SBS Punjabi
“I pay tribute to the Australian Indian community for your contribution to this success; I also acknowledge your influence on the constructive and friendly ties our nation shares with India.
“May everyone celebrating Diwali this year be refreshed by its sense of hope and renewal, and by the fellowship of your family and community,” the Prime Minister said in his message.
More than 700,000 Indians call Australia home with most of them settled in New South Wales and Victoria.
Source: SBS Hindi
Several events have been organised across Australian cities to celebrate the festival. The Indian community gathered in large numbers at Bella Vista in Sydney, Hume Diwali Mela in Craigieburn and Diwali celebrations at Federation Square in Melbourne over the weekend.
The celebrations were marked by traditional Indian dance performances and fireworks while tucking in Indian delicacies at these events.
"Organising such cultural events in Australia allows us to teach our children about our festivals and culture. It is not possible to go to India each year. This is a great way to pass on our culture to our younger generation," Nikki Jain, the organiser of the Hume Diwali Mela told SBS Hindi.
The Sydney Opera House was lit up in gold to mark Diwali in Sydney on Monday evening.
The Sydney Opera House was illuminated in gold to celebrate Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, in Sydney. Source: AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts
Diwali will be celebrated across the world on October 27, 2019.
