On Thursday, October 31, the Hindu community celebrates the special day of Diwali.
Diwali, also called Deepavali, is the Hindu Festival of Lights.
President Cyril Ramaphosa wished all South African Hindu communities a blessed and festive Diwali/Deepawali 2024.
“The Festival of Lights, with its origins in the triumph of good over evil, is a period for all South Africans to recommit to overcoming the inequalities, disadvantage and social ills that affect parts of our society and many parts of the world today,” Ramaphosa said.
He further stated the values Hindus live by should be emulated by everyone to ensure a better world.
“The values of truth, love, peace and non-violence by which Hindus live and conduct themselves within family and community are values that are at the heart of creating a better country and a better world. Happy Diwali and may this be a special time of celebrating life, family and community,” Ramaphosa said.
Earlier this week, Barbie officially launched the Barbie Diwali Anita Dongre Barbie Doll in Gauteng ahead of Diwali celebrations.
Commenting on why the doll was launched now, Mattel India country manager, Lalit Agarwal, said Barbie celebrated Diwali for the first time with a dedicated doll in 2006 in the Barbie Festivals of the World collection.
"This year, Barbie is excited to showcase a doll that honours Diwali in commemoration of one of India’s most popular festivals, just as it has honoured various other celebrations of heritage including Día de Muertos and the Lunar New Year," she said.
robin.francke@iol.co.za
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