Happy Diwali! Helensburgh's Hindu temple to host Sunday celebration

On Sunday, 8 November, Sri Venkateswara Temple will have visitors throughout the day from 8am to 7pm. Rituals will be performed at regular intervals with the special Lakshmi Kupera pooja happening at 6pm on the Diwali day.

Diwali means “row of lights.” The celebration generally symbolises the victory of light over darkness or righteousness over evil.

Diwali is generally a time for visiting, exchanging gifts, wearing new clothes, feasting, feeding the poor, and setting off fireworks as a mark of joyful celebration.

Diwali traditions vary depending on culture and custom, but often include the lighting of diyas, or earthenware lamps, colourful decoration of houses and businesses, and the sharing of food with family, friends and neighbours.

Celebration of Diwali (Deepavali) is to promote respect, tolerance and understanding among communities to live in peace, and harmony as a society for a better Australia – for current and future generations.

These are non-religious, lifestyle-based celebrations. It is an occasion for decorating rice-powder-based colourful Rangoli, artworks, offering prayers in the home, temples, getting together with family and friends, and exchanging gifts to renew social bonds of solidarity of various communities.

These events make a positive impact on diversity and inclusion – powerful catalysts for social cohesion. When individuals from different backgrounds and cultures come together, they bring unique perspectives and experiences that enrich the community.

Embracing diversity and ensuring equal participation and representation create a more inclusive and cohesive society.

Religion is to each their own, but festivals are for everyone. Diwali has a public holiday in 10 countries, including India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Fiji, Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad, Malaysia and Singapore, and a few states in USA.

Diwali has evolved globally as a secular Indian festival, where everyone takes part irrespective of their religious beliefs. The success is evident through increased patronage and ever increasing volunteer participation.

We bring together people from Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Christian, Nepalese, Buddhist and Indonesian backgrounds to showcase the events and promote values of love, protection, unity, cohesion and harmony.

The focus is on promoting respect, empathy and understanding across diverse populations, so communities can harness the power of diversity to build a stronger and more united society.

We will conduct training sessions that meet the needs of participants and enhance community engagement for culturally diverse group. We will bring in experts in areas of need to build programs and services to enhance sector capability.

Sri Venkateswara Temple is at 1 Temple Road, Helensburgh, visit https://www.svtsydney.org/