Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has wished everyone good health, happiness and peace at the annual Diwali – Festival of Lights in King George Square.
The Premier said the Hindu celebration held an inspiring message about the triumph of good over evil, of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.
“Diwali is such a joyous celebration with a truly universal message, which people of all nations and faiths can embrace and celebrate,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“Every year I am moved by the beliefs at the heart of this festival – an affirmation of hope, a renewed commitment to friendship and goodwill, and a celebration of life.
“This is one of the reasons why my government is proud to continue to support this festival with funding from the Celebrating Multicultural Queensland Program.”
Minister for Multicultural Affairs Stirling Hinchliffe said the lighting of lamps was not only symbolic of the light of good over evil.
“It also reminds us that Queensland’s multicultural diversity is the light that leads to a strong and united community,” he said.
“Queensland’s 74,000-strong Indian community plays an important part in building a harmonious, inclusive and multicultural State.”
Diwali dates back thousands of years and is celebrated by Hindus all over the world, as well as throughout Queensland, with almost 46,000 Queenslanders who identify with the Hindu faith.
Dr Ram Mohan, President of the Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland thanked the Palaszczuk Government for the multi-year funding to support the festival.
“It would not be possible without the generous funding support from the Palaszczuk Government,” Dr Mohan said.
“I am so pleased our Government is committed to engaging and supporting multicultural communities and Diwali is a powerful way to bring people of many faiths and backgrounds together.
“I encourage all Queenslanders to come and celebrate with their Diwali and embrace the joy and love of this festival of lights.”
Celebrating Multicultural Queensland is a $2 million funding program supporting multicultural events and projects that engage our diverse community. Queenslanders come from 220 countries and territories and identify with 110 different faiths.
