Ramaphosa wishes Hindu community a blessed Diwali

President Cyril Ramaphosa has wished South Africa's Hindu community a blessed Diwali and a happy Hindu New Year.

In a statement issued by the Presidency on Sunday, November 8, Ramaphosa described Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, as an important celebration of faith and culture.

Diwali is one of the most significant festivals in Hinduism. It symbolises the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.

The festival is traditionally celebrated over five days, with the main celebration taking place on the darkest night of the Hindu lunisolar month of Kartika. Its date changes each year on the Gregorian calendar, usually falling in October or November.

During Diwali, families and communities celebrate by lighting traditional oil lamps known as diyas, decorating their homes, sharing meals, exchanging gifts and offering prayers.

The celebration also marks the beginning of a new year for some Hindu communities.

Ramaphosa said the Festival of Lights was a wonderful affirmation of faith and culture, not only for individual followers but also for the Hindu community as part of South Africa's diverse nation.

“May today and the New Year denote the start of renewed commitment to the values, principles and actions that reflect the enlightenment that Hindus celebrate on this day and which enrich the fabric of our entire nation,” he said.

He added that these values offered the promise of a more peaceful, inclusive and just world where people recognise and draw on the humanity, beliefs and traditions of others.

The President also called for renewed commitment to principles that promote unity and respect across different cultures and beliefs.