Indian community and Seychellois friends mark Diwali |09 November 2015

A large crowd gathered at the swimming pool complex, Roche Caiman on Saturday evening for the grand Hindu Diwali or Deepavali festival, also known as the Festival of Lights.

The Festival of Lights, which is one of the most auspicious occasions celebrated by Hindu devotees in India, also marked the beginning of a new year on their calendar.

Lights, in the form of candles, lamps, lanterns and more traditionally “diyas” - small earthen lamps - represent the triumph of light over darkness and are placed around homes to pray for health, wealth, peace, knowledge and fame.

Present at the Saturday event were Designated Minister Vincent Meriton, the Indian high commissioner to Seychelles Sanjay Panda, Catholic Bishop Denis Wiehe, Anglican Bishop James Wong, Minister for Tourism & Culture Alain St Ange, 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, Minister Meriton conveyed warm wishes and prosperity to the Hindu community in Seychelles from the President of the Republic James Alix Michel.

In his message President Michel said “Diwali is a rejoicing occasion, a message of hope, it is a celebration of the victory of good over darkness prevailing within oneself, but also to consider the needs of others, the community and the importance of harmony and tolerance within our society”.

He added that Seychelles is blessed with peace and harmony between peoples of different faiths and that we need to continue to shine the light of this peace in our communities.

For his part Mr Panda invited everyone to stand for a good cause and to be truthful to each other.

“Today we celebrate Diwali day, a few weeks ago we celebrated India Day in Seychelles where Seychellois people and the Indian community joined together to become a melting pot of cultures. It is an occasion to make peace and bring happiness across the globe,” said the high commissioner.

Bishop Wiehe read a message of well wishes, inviting Hindus and Christians to work collectively with all religious traditions and people of good will to foster and strengthen the human family through friendship and solidarity.

Bishop Wong also took time to talk about the Festival of Lights and its significance for other religious groups.

The ceremony was highlighted by songs, fashion show by children and also a variety of spectacular choreographed dances by different groups.

It culminated with a magical fireworks display.