Chris Ellison (WA, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the Senate—

(a)

notes that:

(i)

in 2008, Deepavali will be celebrated on 28 October,

(ii)

Deepavali is of great significance to the Hindu, Sikh, Jain and Buddhist community,

(iii)

‘Diwali’ is a shortened version of the Sanskrit term ‘Deepavali’, which means ‘a row of lamps’,

(iv)

Diwali is celebrated by lighting small oil lamps called Diyas; which symbolises the lifting of spiritual darkness and the renewal of life, a time to pray for health, knowledge and peace,

(v)

Diwali is an annual celebration, falling on the last day of the month in the lunar calendar and is celebrated as a day of thanksgiving and the beginning of a new year for many Hindus, and for Hindus is a celebration of the victory of good over evil,

(vi)

for Sikhs, Diwali is feted as the day that the sixth founding Sikh Guru, or revered teacher, Guru Hargobind ji, was released from the ruling Mughal Emperor, and

(vii)

for Jains, Diwali marks the anniversary of the attainment of moksha or liberation by Mahavira, the last of the Tirthankaras, who were the great teachers of Jain dharma, at the end of his life in 527 BC,

(viii)

in 2008, Deepavali will be celebrated by many Australians including members of Australia’s over 600,000 strong Hindu, Sikh, Jain and Buddhist community,

(ix)

the Hindu, Sikh, Jain and Buddhist communities have a long and strong heritage in Australia, beginning in the 19th century, and

(x)

today the Hindu, Sikh, Jain and Buddhist communities are strong and vibrant communities that continue to make a significant contribution to Australia’s economic and social prosperity; and

(b)

sends its best wishes to all members of our Hindu, Sikh, Jain and Buddhist communities celebrating Deepavali in 2008.

Question agreed to.