The New South Wales Parliament has passed a historic motion recognising and celebrating Diwali — the festival of lights — marking one of the most visible acknowledgements of the festival in the state’s legislature. The motion was passed with bipartisan support.
The motion notes Diwali’s cultural, social and spiritual significance for the Hindu, Sikh, Jain and Buddhist communities across NSW, and acknowledges its message of light over darkness and good over evil.
Motion presented by Parliamentary Secretary for Industrial Relations, Work Health and Safety, and Multiculturalism Mark Buttigieg and passed in NSW Parliament
The motion is a reflection of the growing contribution of Australia’s Indian diaspora to New South Wales — in business, academia, medicine, public service, the arts and community life.
Diwali is celebrated by over a billion people worldwide and is now observed widely across Australia in homes, Temples, community centres and civic institutions. In recent years, landmark buildings — including the Sydney Opera House and state landmarks — have been illuminated during the festival.
The Hindu festival of lights (also known as Deepavali) is celebrated each year on the 15th Day of the ‘Kartik’ month (eight month according to the Hindu calendar) on ‘Amavasya’ (new moon).
The acknowledgement in the NSW Parliament reflects the increasing mainstream recognition of Indian festivals in Australia’s civic and public life, and reinforces the state’s commitment to multicultural inclusion.
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