The NSW Government hosted their official Diwali celebrations in Sydney with the sails of the iconic Sydney Opera house being lit up to mark the festival of lights. NSW Premier Chris Minns thanked the Indian Hindu community on the occasion and called Diwali one of the great cultural religious festivals of the world.
Premier Minns also said that the Indian Hindu community is decent, hardworking and love Australia.
NSW Multicultural Minister Steve Kamper said that the light of the sails of the Opera House symbolising Diwali celebrations will shine brightly enough for the whole of Sydney to see.
“The lighting of this iconic symbol is an invitation to all Australians to celebrate Diwali as one community united by our mutual respect and friendship”, said Minister Kamper.
The attendees at the event reflected a slice of multicultural Australia with members of different ethnicities and backgrounds enjoying the festivities. The event included chanting of shlokas by children of BAPS Swaminarayan Temple. Shlokas were also chanted prior to the lighting up of the sails of the iconic Opera House.
CEO of Multicultural NSW, Joseph La Posta, and NSW MP from Parramatta, Donna Davis, also shared their feelings about Diwali.
Th event was attended by Consul General of India in Sydney, Dr S. Janakiraman, NSW MP Julia Finn, Director of Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, Sydney, Niyati Mehta, Parramatta Councillor Sameer Pandey, Ku-ring-gai Councillor Barbara Ward and Australia India Business Council (AIBC) National Associate Chair, Irfan Malik among several other eminent guests.
