The first Diwali hosted in the Scottish Parliament was celebrated this year on the Hindu auspicious day of Vijaya Dashami and the 20th Anniversary of the Scottish Parliament on 8th October. The coinciding celebrations of important festivals and events with significant community leaders was a deliberate plan\u00a0to symbolise the camaraderie between the communities.<\/p>\n
The five-day-long Hindu festival of lights, representing good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and the victory of light over darkness is celebrated globally among the Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and Sikh communities. For centuries, the festival is celebrated by cleaning and decorating temples, homes, shops (and office buildings) with lamps and candles. The goddess of wealth and prosperity Lakshmi is worshipped on this day. People share gifts, donate to charities and give bonuses to employees. Like many festivals, Diwali is observed by sharing meals with family and friends to show mutual respect of friendship and love.<\/p>\n
The Scottish Wing of the Hindu Forum of Britain (HFB), headed by Puneet Dwivedi took the lead to organise the event, after relentlessly trying to introduce the festival for the past few years. He was supported by HFB members Samir Desai and Ritesh Singh Thakur who between them delivered the program, right from getting cross-Party sponsorship to getting a letter of support from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. This year\u2019s event was sponsored by\u00a0Rt Hon Sandra White MSP, Rt Hon Liam McArthur MSP and Rt Hon Claire Baker MSP.<\/span><\/p>\n\r\n