Elisabeth Champion
Mount Gambier’s Indian community have come together to celebrate one of the most important dates of the year – Diwali.
Also known as the festival of lights, the event is one of religious rituals, traditions and celebrations in India observed by multiple Indian religions.
Locals from all backgrounds came together at the South Gambier Football Club last week, to celebrate the occasion together.
Jasleen and Avneet told The Border Watch more about the celebrations.
“It is the biggest festival in India, like Christmas here [in Australia],” Jasleen said.
“We have a Festival of Lights in this season and all the houses are lit up with the lights on this day and we have new clothes and it’s just a festive season.”
While the festivities were more subdued here than in India, the event gave the community a chance to come together and celebrate the most important date on the calendar.
“We have a very small community, so we are doing one get-together here, since it is a big festival for everyone,” Jasleen said.
“It’s the worship of the goddess of money and so that prosperity and money and everything comes to your house,” she said.
“That’s why we clean the house and light up the house – so the goddess can come to your house.
“Different religions have a different reason behind it – we are Sikh, so we have our reasons and the Hindus have a different reason, but we all celebrate together.”
In preparation for Diwali, families will spruce up their homes and buy new clothes and gifts.
Avneet said while Diwali was mainly about wealth and prosperity, it also encouraged gratitude.
“You have more gratitude towards things, and you are praying for more wealth and prosperity in the house,” he said.
Diwali will be celebrated around the world on Sunday, November 12.
