Over 140 distinguished members of parliament, diplomats, leaders of Indian communities and guests attended the Diwali and Annakut prayer ceremony and celebrations hosted in the courtyard of the Parliament House by Honourable Dr. Tony Buti Minister for Finance, Lands, Sport and Recreation, Citizenship and Multicultural Interests, and BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, Perth.
Hon. Dr. Tony Buti, Hon. Shane Love (Deputy Leader of the Opposition), Mr. Naresh Sharma (Acting Consul General India) and Shri Hasmukh Wadia (BAPS Trustee) inaugurated the event by lighting the ceremonial divo, whilst young BAPS children recited Vedic prayers, the Shanti Paath and Sanskrit verses from the Satsang Diksha.
Hon. Dr. Tony Buti spoke about the strength of the Indian community and the noble values that Diwali teaches regarding how to live life. He shared his experiences with the Indian community which have embodied the spirit of Diwali.
Hon. Shane Love reflected on the importance and significant contributions of the Indian community in Western Australia, and the strength of the relationship between Western Australia and India.
Mr. Naresh Sharma described the noteworthy contributions of BAPS in the community and the growth of the Indian community.
Shri Hasmukh Wadia presented the key messages of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj – samp (unity), suradbhav (fraternity), ekta (oneness) – and the role of leaders in promoting these values in daily life.
His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj blessed the evening event, praying for everyone’s good health and especially thanked the frontline workers and leaders for their dedicated efforts in the COVID-19 pandemic.
The evening concluded with the recital of thal, and everyone joining in the traditional arti.