Indian community and Seychellois friends mark Diwali |05 November 2013

A large crowd gathered at the swimming pool complex, Roche Caiman on Saturday evening for the Grand Hindu Diwali or Deepavali Festival, the Festival of Light.
 
Also seen as New Year, Diwali Festival of Light, is a celebration of the victory of good over evil or darkness prevailing within oneself and a transition from darkness to light.

There are various legends marking the origin of Diwali and one is the return of Lord Rama and his wife to Ayodhya after defeating the demon King Ravana.

Present at Saturday evening’s event were designated Minister Vincent Meriton, leader of the opposition in the National Assembly David Pierre, Indian high commission to Seychelles Thanglura Darlong, bishop Denis Wiehe, Anglican bishops James Wong and  French Chang Him, Tourism principal secretary Anne Lafortune, Seychelles Hindu Kovil Sangam chairperson , Subramaniyan Pillay, members of the National Assembly, ambassadors, high government officials, members of the Hindu Council of Seychelles and a large crowd of Seychellois public.

After the lighting of the Diya Lamp by a group of ladies- Roche Caiman MNA Giovanna Charles, PS Anne Lafortune, the mayor of Victoria Jacqueline Moustache Belle and some Indian ladies, Minister Meriton conveyed the warm wishes and prosperity to the Hindu community in Seychelles from the President of the Republic Mr James Alix Michel. In the message President Michel said “Diwali is a rejoicing occasion, but also an opportunity to consider the needs of others, the community and the importance of harmony and tolerance within our society”.

It goes on to state that Seychelles is blessed with peace and harmony between people of different faiths and we need to continue to shine the light of this peace in our communities and protect our social cohesion, so that the ignorance and darkness of division does not undermine the achievements we have strive for as a united Seychellois nation” the President stated.

Fom his part Mr Darlong, invited everybody to stand for a good cause, even though a good cause comes with a price.  “Some people have even lost their life for good causes but victory is life for the community and life for the country,” he said.

Bishop Weihe read a message of well wishes from the pontifical council for interreligious dialogue of the Vatican. It invites Hindus and Christian to work individually and collectively with all religious traditions and people of good will to foster and strengthen the human family through friendship and solidarity. Bishop Wong talked about the history of Diwali and also the Festival of Light and their significant by other religious groups. For his part, Mr Felix Charles from the Baha’i Community read a well wish prayer for the occasion.

Following the  honouring of the VIP’s and the speeches the activity started with the recognition and presentation of mementos of life members of the Hindu Council of Seychelles, presided by the chairperson Pravin Darad. Earlier on Mr Darad had said in his opening remarks that he was happy that the Hindu Council forms part of the Seychelles interfaith council which stand for unity in diversity.

It was a greatly cultural activity programme that entertained the large crowd. It comprised of songs, fashion show by children showcasing different traditional and modern Indian costumes and also a variety of spectacular choreographic dances from locals to Bollywood by different groups that had the crowd applauding excidedly. All those taking part in the cultural activities were presented with momentos and certificates. But the moment all the children were waiting for was the lighting of the sparklers. Accompanied by their parents, all were waving their lighted sparklers and wishing each other happy Diwali.  The invitees and guests also exchanged happy Diwali greetings.

Missing at this year’s Diwali celebrations  was the fireworks display, which according to Mr Darad  had to be remove from the  programme because of unpredictable weather conditions. After all the activities were over, as is tradition, sweets were presented to all present.