Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi – 
Diwali, also known as the ‘Festival of Lights’, is a Festival of significance celebrated throughout the India and across the globe.
The annual event is celebrated in many ways, through family gatherings, buying new clothes, enjoying special treats and watching the fireworks.
The fireworks drive away evil spirits to bring luck and prosperity in the New Year.
Cities glow with colourful lights and ghee lanterns that are left on throughout the night. They are a celebration of good over evil, the triumph of inner light over ignorance and allow the Goddess Lakshmi to feel welcome.
Sikh Observation
While there are various legends that inspire this festival, I want to share with you one of my favourites.
Sikhs celebrate ‘Bandi Chorh Divas’ on the day of Diwali.
Bandi Chorh Divas is the day on which Guru Hargobind Sahib was released with 52 Kings from Gwalior Prison, an event that took place in October 1619.
Following their release, Guru Hargobind Ji arrived in Amritsar in the midst of the Diwali Festival, and the day was henceforth associated with his liberation.
Growing up in India, my parents used to take our family to the Gurdwara in the morning, followed by shopping for new clothes and fire crackers.
My mother used to make special delicacies on the day and in the evening, after attending prayers, we would celebrate Diwali with my brothers and cousins.
Tradition continues
My family and I have continued to celebrate Diwali since moving to New Zealand. Initially it was limited to celebrating with a few friends however, overtime Diwali is being celebrated across New Zealand with grandeur.
People from all ethnicities enjoy the food, cultural performance and festivities during Diwali celebrations.
This year I look forward to celebrating Diwali with my colleagues at Parliament.
Our Prime Minister John Key, Ethnic Communities Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga, my colleagues and I will be speaking at many other public celebrations across the country.
For auspicious reasons some Indian communities also begin the financial year on Diwali.
Bazaars and Performances
Festive bazaars and many cultural activities are also held.
Festive stalls are decorated with wares such as fragrant flowers, garlands used during prayers, traditional oil lamps, beautiful Saris with intricate brocade patterns, and glittering gems. I am particularly fond of the many Indian delicacies such as Gajar Ka Halwa that can also be found during this period.
The Diwali festival lasts for five days. The peak is usually on the third day which is considered as New Year eve. The last day is set aside for brothers and sisters to spend time together.
Still a relatively new concept, the Diwali festival is becoming more widely observed throughout the West. Diwali even often overlaps with Guy Fawkes Night in the New Zealand which is also celebrated with beautiful firework displays.
Promoting respect
We are lucky to live in a country that celebrates ethnic diversity and where it is against the law to discriminate against anybody because of their ethnicity, religion or background. We can learn so much when we interact with other ethnic communities and the mix of cultures, language and heritage adds to the rich cultural make-up of our society.
Our increasing diversity brings significant benefits to our regional and economic growth with international connections, innovative thinking, and increased trade and investment.
Together, we will continue to work towards a prosperous and happy New Zealand.
To everyone who will celebrate this joyous occasion later this month, I wish you, your families and loved ones Happy Diwali.
Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi has been a Member of Parliament on National Party List since November 2008. He is also currently Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Law & Order.
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Photo:
- Guru Hargobind Sahib was released with 52 Kings from Gwalior Prison on Diwali Day in October 1619.
- Diwali celebrations in Delhi today
