Africa-Press – Seychelles. The Hindu Council of Seychelles celebrated Diwali with a colorful cultural show at the National Sports Council (NSC) hall last Saturday.
Seychellois, tourists and Indians gathered in large numbers first to look at the cultural show, taste the nice Indian food and drink and to finally watch the amazing display of fireworks at the end of the programme.
The event was also attended by the Minister for Internal Affairs Errol Fonseka and the Minister for Lands & Housing Billy Rangasamy, the Indian high commission representative Vikram Garewaland, among the many sponsors.
The programme started with a prayer and chant by some Seychellois children and the traditional lighting of the lamps.
After two years spent in the pandemic, the council’s chairman, Narasimhan Ramani, was delighted to welcome all the attendants. “It is the real Diwali for everybody around the world as we celebrate the victory of light over darkness. Now we have won over the disease (Covid-19) and as we settle down after the pandemic, it is the real Diwali for everybody in the world. We are very proud to have this opportunity to celebrate the festival this year as glamorously as possible.”
Mr Ramani stated that many festivals come with music and dance and for this Diwali show, the public was able to appreciate the performance of the 110 participants – Seychellois and Indians together.
“Music is a universal language and we have children and adults showcasing their talents. We have been publicising this event in the local media and today we are seeing many visitors and Seychellois alike partaking in the joy of Diwali. The fireworks is always a crowd puller.”
On behalf of President Wavel Ramkalawan, First Lady Linda Ramkalawan, the cabinet of ministers, Minister Rangasamy addressed the crowd. “We have struggled during the last two years with Covid but we have persevered. I want to reassure you that this event is very special for the people of Seychelles. Diwali is celebrated widely and we celebrate it for different reasons. It symbolises the victory of good over evil, the victory of knowledge over ignorance. Something we desperately need in our world. I am very encouraged to see our youth from the Baha’i community share the song ‘We shall overcome’ because indeed we shall overcome with the lights over darkness specially in our beautiful island of Seychelles and other parts of the world. It is also a festivity to worship the God of Peace, Prosperity and Wealth and Happiness. Religious festivals are important to help us teach people the principals, ethics and pass on the traditions, knowledge and culture to the next generations. This is very precious as the next generation is the future of our civilisation.”
All ministers and sponsors were honoured and the public were able to appreciate the performance from 16 different groups with 104 participants. There was classical dance, kids fashion show, songs, keyboard rendition, classical fusion dance, sega/moutya and the show ended with a fireworks display. All present received a box of sweets and local companies were selling food and drinks during the event.
Diwali (also called Divali or Deepavali) is a “festival of lights” that celebrates the triumph of light over dark and good over evil, and the blessings of victory, freedom, and enlightenment. The name comes from Sanksrit dipavali, meaning ‘row of lights’. On the night of Diwali, celebrants light dozens of candles and clay lamps (called diyas), placing them throughout their homes and in the streets to light up the dark night. In most of India, Diwali consists of a five-day celebration that peaks on the third day with the main celebration of Diwali. In other places where Diwali occurs, usually only the main day is celebrated.
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