SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, October 18, 2017 (SBS): It’s the fourth year in a row the Opera House has been lit up in a golden colour to mark the most widely celebrated Hindu festival, Diwali. The festival has significance to Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains, and is celebrated globally by Indian and South Asian communities. It commemorates the triumph of light over darkness, and good overcoming evil.
More and more Australians are embracing Diwali — the Hindu festival of light. It’s a time for reflecting and cleansing, and can involve spring cleaning, shopping for gold and celebrating the victory of light over darkness. People also decorate their houses with lights and celebrate the New Year. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian formally opened the event and said by lighting the sails of the Sydney Opera House, it brings millions of people in Australia and around the world together. “More and more, Diwali is marked by all communities across New South Wales and is one of the most celebrated and anticipated events in our multicultural calendar.”