On Saturday night, I had the privilege of participating in the celebration of Diwali in Palmerston North. Diwali is the most significant festival of the Hindu year and symbolises the victory of good over evil, while also marking the start of the Indian New Year. The Diwali festival (also known as the Festival of Lights) is celebrated over five days at the end of the Hindu month of Ashwayuja. Fresh flowers, exchanges of gifts, new clothes, meeting with friends and family, and feasting are all part of the colourful festival. Diwali is celebrated by both Hindu and Sikh religions and this year some 400 people gathered together to celebrate in Palmerston North. We were treated to an extravaganza of dancing and music, followed by a wonderful feast.
Diwali is one of the highlights of the year for me. It's always an opportunity to catch up with friends and some members of the community I often don't get to see throughout the year. The Central Districts Indian Association and President, Paul Patel, are wonderful hosts and I left this year, as I have in previous years, sorry that the night had come to an end.
This is my first post of the Hindu New Year, so I am including my New Year's wish to you all.
May this Diwali bring you the utmost in peace and prosperity.
Shubh Diwali.
Happy New Year!
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