"Deeply Embedded in Culture": Australian PM Anthony Albanese Extends Diwali Greetings

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has extended Diwali greetings to Hindu, Jain, Sikh and Buddhist communities across Australia, describing the festival as a celebration that transcends religious and cultural boundaries and brings people together through its message of compassion, generosity and renewal.

In a message issued ahead of Diwali, Albanese said the festival represents the victory of light and has become deeply embedded in Australia's multicultural identity. He also highlighted the contributions of communities celebrating the festival to the country's social and cultural fabric.

DIWALI'S MESSAGE OF LIGHT AND RENEWAL

Extending his wishes to those observing the festival, Albanese described Diwali as an ancient tradition rooted in spiritual and personal renewal.

"I send my best wishes to everyone observing Diwali, the great celebration of the victory of light. For Hindu, Jain, Sikh and Buddhist communities, Diwali is deeply embedded in culture, an ancient tradition of spiritual and personal renewal, underpinned by the cultivation of generosity and the embrace of new beginnings," he said.

The Australian Prime Minister added that the festival's symbolism extends beyond religious and cultural identities, carrying a universal message of compassion and understanding.

He said the values of love and unity at the heart of Diwali remain particularly relevant, offering an invitation to people across communities to embrace generosity and mutual understanding.

ALBANESE HIGHLIGHTS AUSTRALIA'S MULTICULTURAL IDENTITY

Albanese said Diwali brings together Australians from different backgrounds while reinforcing the importance of family, friendship and community.

"Diwali draws people of all backgrounds together, reminding us of our shared essence, and the bonds of family, friendship and community, and brings light and joy to us all," he said.

He also noted that the festival comes at the culmination of a month of significant religious and cultural celebrations in Australia.

Taking pride in Diwali's growing place in the country's public life, Albanese said communities celebrating the festival had enriched Australia through generations of hard work, aspiration and commitment to the country.

He described their contribution as a shared gift to the nation and wished those celebrating a festival that would inspire hope for a brighter future.

INDIA TO CELEBRATE DIWALI ON NOVEMBER 8

India will celebrate Diwali on Sunday, November 8. The festival is observed by millions across the country and among Indian communities worldwide.

India and Australia share longstanding political, economic and trade ties, alongside cultural connections strengthened by the presence of the Indian diaspora in Australia.

Earlier on Thursday, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor also participated in Diwali celebrations at the US Embassy in New Delhi.

Sharing photographs and glimpses of the celebrations on X, Gor extended his greetings to those observing the festival.

"Great to celebrate Diwali at our Embassy in New Delhi. Wishing all who are observing the holiday a very Happy Diwali!" he wrote.

With inputs from ANI