Happy Diwali

On Diwali, the Prime Minister today conveyed her best wishes to all Australians celebratingthe event.

Alsoknown as the "festival of lights", Diwali is one of the biggest celebrations of the year for those of the Hindu, Jain, and Sikh faiths.  It signifies the Hindu New Year according to the Lunar calendar.

The festival celebrates the victory of good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. It is marked by placing diyas (a small oil lamp) around the home, as it is believed that a light shining from a diya will bring hope and prosperity to all. 

Diwali is a festival which at its essence is about joy, happiness and peace.

It’s also a time for sharing food such as Besan ki Barfi, a sweet made of milk, sugar and pistachios, and Kajukatli, a diamond shaped sweet made of cashews,with family and friends.

Happy Diwali.