Cassandra Fernando (Holt, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I'd like to convey my greetings to everyone celebrating Diwali—also known as Deepawali—in my electorate of Holt and across Australia. Diwali is among the most celebrated festivals in the world, and it has become a permanent fixture in the calendars of so many people across Victoria. This joyous festival is celebrated by a spectacle of lights using clay lamps, sparkles and—in India, I'm told—loads of firecrackers. In addition, families and friends gather to share food and sweets.

Diwali signifies the eternal triumph of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. It also plays homage to Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity. Thus, I'd like to believe we are blessed to have this government's first budget during Diwali. Festivals like Diwali are celebrated with pomp and splendour by the large Hindu-Sikh-Jain community in my electorate. It is an opportunity to get together to celebrate our shared belief in the oneness of all and pray for health, wealth and happiness for everyone. Happy Diwali!