DIWALI 2024
On behalf of the Coalition, I send my best wishes to Australians of Hindu faith as you celebrate
Diwali.
As you know, Diwali is a tradition stretching back to ancient India and the Hindu epic, the
Ramayana. The story tells the journey of prince Rama – his exile from his city, the rescue of his
wife Sita from the demon king Ravana, and his return home to rule as king which was welcomed by
his people with their lighting of rows of lamps – a tradition which continues to this day.
The Festival of Lights – with its lighting of diyas and display of vibrant colours – is symbolic of the
triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair. Similarly, the
story of the Ramayana – recounted by parents to their children – is a reminder of the need for
resilience, stoicism and optimism in difficult and testing times.
The celebration of Diwali – enjoyed by many Australians – is testimony to the achievement of
modern Australia: we are a people of many backgrounds, of many faiths, who practise many
cultural traditions. Despite these differences, we are united as Australians by the things we have in
common: our love of family, our appreciation for friends and colleagues, our attachment to
community, our sense of duty, our aspiration and optimism, our respect for law and liberty, our
pride in our country, and our desire to protect democracy.
On the occasion of Diwali, I thank the more than 684,000 Australians of Hindu faith for your
contributions to your communities and our country in many fields of endeavour. I wish you
happiness in the company of family, friends and neighbours as you pray, exchange gifts and enjoy
meals together to mark Diwali.
Shubh Diwali.
Hon Peter Dutton MP
Leader of the Opposition