President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa has wished South Africa’s Hindu community a happy Diwali and New Year.
Diwali or Deepavali is the religious occasion that celebrates the victory of good over evil, knowledge and wisdom over ignorance, triumph of light over darkness and it also symbolises freedom and spiritual enlightenment.
On this holy day, devotees around the country and across the world will light lamps that symbolise the victory of light over darkness.
The celebration of Diwali is an expression of profound spiritual enlightenment and insight but the symbolism of Diwali extends also to our country’s emergence from a period of economic difficulty and serious challenges in leadership and governance.
“As South Africans, we should unite and apply our skills and sound values to building and sustaining a better future for all of us,” said President Ramaphosa in his message.
South Africa’s diversity is enriched through the sharing and integration of culture and religion, he said, adding that Hinduism teaches about the values of humility, community, tolerance and self-improvement as a path to serving society.
These are values that appeal to all South Africans and that should find expression in everything we do as individuals or collectively.”
Meanwhile, the City of Johannesburg says its emergency services are in place for the Diwali celebrations which also coincide with Guy Fawks Day.(Source : South African Government News Agency)
