Diwali Festival Hobart 2024

Sue Hickey – Mayor, Hobart City Council, Julian Punch – President, Rainbow Communities Tas Inc. and Stuart Slade – Alderman, Hobart City Council, enjoying Diwali Festival diversity.

Diwali Festival 2024, held at Montrose Park, Glenorchy on 02 November last year, showcased over 25 captivating performances from over 15 community groups, with entertainment ranging from traditional dances to contemporary musical acts. The event celebrated the richness and diversity of global cultures, with a large crowd enjoying and celebrating diversity and experiencing a wonder of colour, taste and music. Diwali 2024 not only celebrated the Festival of Lights but also embodied the spirit of unity and inclusivity. It offered a platform for cultural exchange, fostering understanding and appreciation among Tasmania's diverse communities. Representing Rainbow Communities Tasmania were Brian, Julian, Jean and Patrick.

The traditional Diwali festival, one of the major religious festivals in Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism, lasts for five days from the 13th day of the dark half of the lunar month Ashvina to the second day of the light half of the lunar month Karttika. (The corresponding dates in the Gregorian calendar usually fall in late October and November.) The name is derived from the Sanskrit term dipavali, meaning “row of lights.” The festival generally symbolizes the victory of light over darkness.

Observances of Diwali differ depending on region and tradition. Among Hindus the most widespread custom is the lighting of diyas (small earthenware lamps filled with oil) on the night of the new moon to invite the presence of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. During the festival, diyas are lit and placed in rows along the parapets of temples and houses and set adrift on rivers and streams.

Homes are decorated, and floors inside and out are covered with rangolis, a decoration drawn on the floor or the entrances of homes, consisting of elaborate designs made of coloured rice, sand, or flower petals. The doors and windows of houses are kept open in the hope that Lakshmi will find her way inside and bless the residents with wealth and success.

Photos courtesy of Pixabay

(https://www.britannica.com/topic/Diwali-Hindu-festival)