Diwali festival: A celebration of light and unity |06 November 2023
Diwali, the Festival of Lights celebrated by millions of people across the world, was also celebrated in Seychelles on Saturday night at the National Sports Council (NSC) hall.
The Seychelles Hindu Council organised the event that brought together people from all walks of life, transcending differences of nationality, colour, and creed.
This year, the Diwali festival was graced by the presence of President Wavel Ramkalawan, Vice-President Ahmed Afif and Minister Billy Rangasamy.
Members of the diplomatic corps and of the Seychelles Interfaith Council (Sifco) were also present.
The secretary general of the Hindu Council, Anil Kumar Singh, in his address, reflected on the significance of the festival and the community's commitment to unity and goodwill.
He expressed a sense of nostalgia “for the charm, colour, beautiful atmosphere, ambience, and the spirit of Diwali that the venue used to provide when it was held by the swimming pool. The tradition of celebrating the Festival of Lights has been a part of the Seychelles Hindu Council's annual calendar, and it continues to be a unique event that brings together people from diverse backgrounds”.
He further noted that “the essence of Diwali lies in its message of light triumphing over darkness, and good prevailing over evil. Different communities might have their own interpretations of the festival's origins, whether it's the return of Lord Shri Ram to his kingdom after defeating the demon King Ravana or the elimination of the demon Narkasur by Lord Krishna. However, the underlying lesson remains the same – the victory of inner light over ignorance”.
Diwali is not just about lighting lamps outside; it is also about igniting the inner light of one's soul. It encourages people to let go of grudges and forgive past wrongdoings. The atmosphere during Diwali should be one of festivity, friendliness, and freedom. In recent days, the Creole Spirit in Seychelles has been celebrated, and this festive mood was seamlessly carried into the Diwali festivities.
Drawing inspiration from the teachings of Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita, the event emphasised the importance of peace and harmony for the continued progress and development of humanity and that respecting each other's religious beliefs is a common sign of commitment to goodwill and faith.
This year’s event saw the participation of ninety participants of different age groups and there were songs, traditional dance, Bollywood dance and even a ‘sega’ performance. It showcased the rich diversity and harmony that exists within Seychelles, and it was a beautiful reminder that together, we can all strive for a brighter, more inclusive future.
At the end, everybody left with a box of sweets offered graciously by the sponsors of the event.
The accompanying photos show some highlights of the event.
Vidya Gappy
