Diwali Festival of Lights

May I begin by greeting everyone in the languages of the realm of New Zealand, in English, Māori, Cook Island Māori, Niuean, Tokelauan and New Zealand Sign Language.

Greetings, Kia Ora, Kia Orana, Fakalofa Lahi Atu, Taloha Ni and as it is the afternoon (Sign).  In the context of this gathering, may I add the greetings: Namaste, Namashkar, Sat Sri Akal, Kam Cho.

May I specifically greet you:  Dr Richard Grant, Executive Director, of the Asia New Zealand Foundation; Hon Chris Finlayson, Minister for Arts Culture and Heritage; Hon Chris Carter, MP; Mr Kanwal Singh Bakshi MP; Mr Kunal Roy, Acting High Commissioner for India to New Zealand; Mr Ian McKinnon, Deputy Mayor of Wellington and your Council colleagues; Mr Ratilal Champaneri, President of the New Zealand Indian Association; Distinguished Guests otherwise; Ladies and Gentlemen. 

It has been with pleasure that my wife Susan and I to accept the invitation to join everyone here in Wellington to celebrate Diwali, one of the most significant Hindu festivals, the message of hope and togetherness of which bind Hindu, Sikh, Jain and Buddhist communities around the world and which can be a source of inspiration and reflection for everyone.

In India and wherever the Indian diaspora may be found, Diwali is a special time for families, and friends, and is marked with great enthusiasm and happiness.   It is a time to gather together and celebrate, to reflect on the year behind, and to look forward with hope to what lies ahead.

At this auspicious time, people light candles and small lamps, and place them around their houses.  Special prayers are said with divine blessings being sought.  Diwali is never complete without special food, notably mithai or sweets; exchanges of gifts and messages – in the modern age by text and email as well as card; rangoli,  the drawing of images and motifs particularly on the floor using different coloured powders; hand painting and in India especially – fireworks.

The history of Diwali is full of legends, all strongly linked to the stories of religious scriptures with a prevailing theme that good will overcome evil.

Lighting lamps at Diwali symbolises lighting a lamp of knowledge within each of us, and as a community. 
What makes Diwali relevant, not just to Indians everywhere, but to everyone, is that the festival symbolises hope.   It reminds us that life will continue to be renewed.  Because of this, Diwali has become one of the central traditions that people associate with India.

In the last year the world has suffered a number of calamities.  Those events have included the worldwide economic recession and natural disasters such as earthquakes, typhoons and, near at hand, the Pacific tsunami.  In troubling times, Diwali reminds us that just as lamps can bring light to the dark, that a new day will always follow even the darkest of nights but that we should be mindful of those less fortunately off..

I would like to congratulate the Asia New Zealand Foundation, in partnership with the Wellington City Council and many sponsors, for organising this Diwali festival.

The Festival’s growing success over the years has been outstanding, and I am advised that more than 200,000 people attended  Diwali festivals organised in Wellington and Auckland last year.

The widening interest in Diwali reflects New Zealand’s growing cultural diversity, and reminds us how enriching that factor is to our nation.  In this, the Asia New Zealand Foundation has played a key role in promoting festivals such as Diwali, Eid-ul-fitr and the Chinese New Year.

Diwali is also a reminder of the significant contribution to our nation’s culture and economy of the more than 100,000 people of Indian origin who call New Zealand home.  Diwali gives those of Indian descent an opportunity to share their individual cultural tradition with all New Zealanders.

As a New Zealander whose grandparents were born in India and as Patron of the Asia New Zealand Foundation, it gives me great pleasure to declare this festival open and to say Shukhriar, Dhanbaad, Naya Saal Mubarak.

And on that note, I will close in New Zealand’s first language Māori, offering greetings and wishing everyone good health and fortitude in your endeavours.  

No reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, kia ora, kia kaha, tēnā koutou katoa.