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Hindus celebrate Diwali |20 November 2017

 

Hindus and friends in Seychelles gathered at the Roche Caiman swimming pools on Saturday evening to celebrate Diwali.

One of the most popular festivals of Hinduism, Diwali spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair.

Present among the crowd were the Minister for Youth, Sports and Culture Mitcy Larue, the president of the Court of Appeal, Francis MacGregor, the leader of government business in the National Assembly Charles de Commarmond, the second secretary & head of Chancery at the Indian high commission Ashwin Bhaskaran, the chair of the Hindu Council Narasiman Ramani and other distinguished invitees.

In a message sent for the occasion, which was read by Minister Larue, President Danny Faure wished everybody a happy Diwali.

“It is a pleasure to wish everyone celebrating the Festival of lights in Seychelles and all around the world, a happy Diwali. Diwali reminds us that even in darkness, light will ultimately prevail. Knowledge will triumph over ignorance and compassion will defeat despair. If we continue to support each other and engage in fruitful dialogue, we will continue moving toward that bright future we all seek. Seychelles is strengthened by contributions from a diverse population. Making this day is a testament to the traditions we share, across continents and cultures,” President Faure’s message reads.

The Diwali celebration was filled with traditional and modern music and dance performances by Indian and local groups. The crowd was also able to enjoy the Indian sweets which were distributed to them as they watched the cultural show.

The highlight of the evening was the display of colourful sparklers displayed by joyful children accompanied by their parents who were capturing the moment though the camera lenses of various media formats.

The evening ended with the much awaited magical display of fireworks.

Before that, the evening started with the symbolic lighting of the lamp, the honouring of special guests followed by words of welcome by the chairperson of the Hindu Council, Narassiman Ramani.

He praised the blessed privileges and pride in so much diversity and richness of cultures and traditions that our nation possesses.

“Together and through the celebration of our festivals, we can increase our consciousness of the ways in which light can triumph over darkness and good over evil,” he said.

Mr Bhaskaran, who was representing the Indian high commissioner Dr Ausuf Sayeed who was not present, welcomed all and said the celebrations started in a good mood.

“There is no better way than to celebrate with the community at large,” he said and reminded the Indian community to stay happy and strong, support one another for the social benefit of Seychelles.

For the Hindus, Diwali marks the return of Lord Shri Ram to his Kingdom after defeating the demon King Ravana which symbolises the victory of light over darkness or victory of the good over the bad or evil. So the Diwali celebration is not just about being lightened from the outside but most importantly lightening the inner soul to clear it from darkness.

Some of the performances

 

 

 

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