Fellow citizens,
Today we join with members of our Hindu community at home and across the globe, in the celebration of Divali, the Festival of Lights.
As a nation, we have come to understand the significance of Divali as it commemorates the triumphant return of Lord Rama and Mother Sita to Ayodhya after fourteen years in exile. This story speaks not only of victory but also of duty, resilience and the bonds that inextricably tie families and communities together.
At the heart of the tradition of Divali, there is a message that speaks to timeless human values, perseverance through adversity, the return to a place of belonging, and the joy that comes from renewal and reunion. The lighting of deyas, a central practice on this occasion, is not only a beautiful tradition with a powerful symbol but also a reminder that even a single light can dispel darkness.
Across our beloved country, thousands of our citizens will once again seek to replicate that joyous occasion. Families and friends will come together in celebration, while offering prayers of thanksgiving to Sri Lakshmi, goddess of wealth and prosperity. As evening falls, dazzling arrays of deyas will illuminate homes, businesses and public spaces, serving as a visual expression of the essential message of Divali: that light, in all its forms, will always triumph over darkness, and that goodness, truth and wisdom will forever overcome ignorance, evil and despair. Let us also use the time to prepare our hearts and actions to reflect on our own personal and national transformation.
Freedom, integrity, truth and justice are values that the Hindu tradition holds sacred and like all other traditions and/or religions, these tenets guide us through our paths to enlightenment.
In a nation as diverse as ours, such celebrations hold a special place, they provide not only a moment of joy and reverence, but also a reaffirmation of the values that sustain our national unity.
The true essence of Divali is not only to engage in the lighting of physical lamps, but also to ensure that our spiritual ones remain radiant and well-lit. We do so by striving to be bearers of light in the lives of those around us, showing love and compassion where there is anger and resentment; sowing understanding where there is confusion; and bringing peace where there is enmity.
In embracing the tradition of Divali, we challenge ourselves to help dispel the shadows of fear, division and indifference that sometimes creep into our households, communities and nation.
In embracing the tradition of Divali, we uplift not only ourselves, but also the society in which we live.
As we prepare our homes for the blessings and visit of Sri Lakshmi, let us also prepare our hearts, thoughts and actions so that they may reflect the divine light within us. Let us go beyond mere celebration and embrace personal and collective transformation through the core values of Divali.
May the joy and peace of Divali fill all homes throughout the nation.
On behalf of Her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo, O.R.T.T. and on behalf of my family and I, accept our heartfelt wishes for a happy and holy Divali celebration.
Shubh Divali!
