Australia is a land of diverse cultures and traditions, a melting pot where people from all corners of the globe come together to call this great southern land home. Among the many vibrant communities that enrich the Australian social fabric, the Indian community stands out with its colorful festivals, rich heritage, and deep-rooted values. One such festival that holds immense significance for Indians and many others around the world is Diwali, the festival of lights. It's a time of joy, reflection, and togetherness, celebrated with fervor by hundreds of thousands across Australia. But despite its popularity, Diwali is not yet recognized as an official public holiday in the country. This has led to a renewed call from the Indian community for Diwali to be embraced as a national holiday.

Diwali, which in 2023 falls on October 31, is more than just a festival; it's a symbol of new beginnings, the triumph of good over evil, and light over darkness. It's a time when families and friends gather to light lamps, set off fireworks, share sweets, and create memories. The Hindu Council of Australia, representing a significant portion of the Hindu population in the country, has been at the forefront of this push for national recognition. The council's president, Sai Paravastu, emphasizes that recognizing Diwali as a public holiday would not only honor the Hindu community but also offer a chance for all Australians to learn about and participate in the festivities.

The support for this initiative isn't limited to the Indian community alone. Federal Labor MP Andrew Charlton has voiced his backing, highlighting how Diwali's core values resonate with the Australian spirit. He points out that the festival's emphasis on unity and joy aligns with the values that make the Indian diaspora an integral part of the Australian community.

Australia’s Indian community called for Diwali to join the list of the country’s official public holidays. Credit: Shutterstock

The statistics speak volumes about the growing Indian presence in Australia. With over 750,000 Indian-born residents, the Indian community is now the second-largest migrant group in the country. This demographic shift reflects a broader trend of increasing cultural diversity, with Hinduism being practiced by 2.7% of the Australian population according to the 2021 Census.

Despite Christianity remaining the most common religion, there has been a notable decline in adherence, while the number of Australians identifying with no religion has risen. This changing religious landscape suggests a need for a more inclusive approach to public holidays that reflects the nation's multicultural identity.

The Lowy Institute, a respected think tank, has argued that adding more culturally diverse public holidays would not only acknowledge the contributions of various communities but also send a strong message of inclusivity and tolerance to the world. Such a move would challenge the notion of Australia as merely a 'western outpost' and instead celebrate its position as a vibrant, pluralistic society.

Incorporating Diwali into the national calendar would be a step towards normalizing cultural pluralism and fostering unity. It would encourage Australians from all backgrounds to engage with different beliefs and practices, thereby enriching the nation's cultural tapestry.

As the conversation continues, it's clear that the recognition of Diwali as a public holiday would be more than a day off work; it would be a celebration of Australia's diversity and a commitment to embracing the many cultures that make up its population. It's a chance for all Australians to experience the warmth and light of Diwali, to learn from each other, and to grow together as a community.

Key Takeaways

• Australia's Indian community is campaigning for Diwali to become an official public holiday across all states and territories.
• Diwali, the festival of lights, is considered the most significant holiday in the Hindu calendar and is celebrated by hundreds of thousands of people in Australia.
• Federal Labor MP Andrew Charlton has supported the idea, suggesting that recognising Diwali would reflect the fundamental values and the importance of the Indian diaspora in Australia.
• The push for Diwali as a public holiday is part of a broader argument that Australia's public holidays should more accurately reflect its multicultural population and could foster greater societal understanding and unity.

We at the Seniors Discount Club invite our readers to share their thoughts on this topic. Have you participated in Diwali celebrations? Do you think adding Diwali as a public holiday would enrich the Australian cultural experience? Let's discuss in the comments below and celebrate the diversity that makes Australia truly unique.

 

[zacca]

No. Hey I love India I’ve been 3 times and would love to go again. It’s so different but it’s not Australia if I want to have Dewali I go to India. Australia is a Christian settlement no I’m not religious at all and I believe that everyone has a right to their own beliefs but if you want to celebrate Dewali or any other religious day take it out of your holiday pay and enjoy the day with your friends that think alike. .

 

[LLP]

love the fact that australia is a diverse country with many cultures but we have other cultures here that celebrate there religious beliefs without asking for additional public holidays for their celebrations, if a public holiday for Diwali is approved it will open the doors for all cultures to apply for recognised public holidays. the country would go bankrupt due to there being a public holiday for all cultural and religious events.
If you want to celebrate your heritage cultural events do it on you own time at your own expense. You get paid for the gazetted Australian national and state public holidays. australia has enough public holidays to disrupt business and work practices
enjoy other cultures activities it brings us all closer and more understanding of each other but do it at your own time and expense

LP

 

[Jennylolo]

It's not possible to give a public holiday for every country, who is repented by their residents here, to have one for their celebrations. Every other group would that too. Australia is not Indian, nor any anything else. We are Australians and celebrate Xmas as Christian majority. There is nothing to stop celebrations but please think about the reality and what would result.

 

[Zorro56]

Maybe we should take it one step further and make our currency the rupee, all because 2.7% of the population practice Hinduism. While we are at it, I like fish and chips, so can we have a national fish and chip day holiday. What a load of crap.

 

[Nelli]

I don't think we should be having a National Public Holiday for another country's public holiday. If we did it for one country than we would have to do it for every country that is represented here in Australia. This is Australia, if the people don't like it, then they know what they can do.

 

[Richard12]

As much as I like diwali, it is an Indian holiday and not an Australian holiday. Where would it stop if we start doing that?

 

[Luckyus]

I f you can take a day for a horse race nadone for a football game, although admiitedly for one state capital I think. then I rekon you you can recognise a different culture albeit not with paid holiday but acknowledgemen, I think it won't be long before this government has one to mark the return of the stolen land? they've been handing back it seems willy nilly?

 

[Ezzy]

Those people wanting their National Holiday adopted by Australia should remember that part of settling in Australia meant adopting all our standards. This includes becoming a citizen.

I believe it bad enough that Australians have adopted so many American expressions, rewording what we call products & introducing idiosyncrasies such as Halloween.

 

[Hollingworthlake]

I don’t think it is a good idea to sanction specific cultural holidays. This could lead to difficulties choosing which to allow and which to refuse. We are a Christian country and have our own customs and cultures which acknowledge Christmas and Easter and to acknowledge other festival days would undoubtedly lead to many difficulties and conflicts

 

[Skeeta22]

No Thanks! Australia is a Christian country, we celebrate at Christmas time. If the Indians want Diwali I'm sure they celebrate it in India!

 

[Knell]

I f you can take a day for a horse race nadone for a football game, although admiitedly for one state capital I think. then I rekon you you can recognise a different culture albeit not with paid holiday but acknowledgemen, I think it won't be long before this government has one to mark the return of the stolen land? they've been handing back it seems willy nilly?

"I think it won't be long before this government has one to mark the return of the stolen land? they've been handing back it seems willy nilly?"
???
LOL. Nonsense! Very Trumpesque rhetoric.
EG (“President Donald Trump falsely claimed that migrants are eating dogs and cats in Springfield, Ohio, during the presidential debate …”)

What have they taken from you? What returned land do you object to as being returned to First Nations People and why? I would like to consider the objection with specifics rather than just wild broad inferences.

 

[Veggiepatch]

A bit late to this one and I am disgusted at prospect of the Indian scourge dictating terms to the Australian public, which is becoming less Australian by the minute, thanks to excessive immigration.

According to the 2021Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) census, 976000 residents of Australia are of Indian descent. At the same census, 984000 were of Indigenous descent! As I predicted last year, the Indian component of Australia's population will surpass that of the Indigenous population within five years. Looks like my prediction was a tad conservative.

Has our Indigenous brothers called for a holiday for Eddie Mabo's Birthday, 29 June? Way better than some curry munching celebration of something that true blue Australians know SFA about!

 

[Veggiepatch]

Let's make 19 October a public holiday to celebrate Constitution Day, which is Niue's national day.

Holds as much significance to Australia as some "Dee Wally" crap!

 

[outbacksant]

What a wonderful idea. Having worked with many Indians, I loved that they brought food in to the workplace for Diwali for all to share. I never had the opportunity to attend any celebrations though, as I always had to work. But I thoroughly enjoyed the food, and chatting with them to learn more about their culture.

 

[Luckyus]

"I think it won't be long before this government has one to mark the return of the stolen land? they've been handing back it seems willy nilly?"
???
LOL. Nonsense! Very Trumpesque rhetoric.
EG (“President Donald Trump falsely claimed that migrants are eating dogs and cats in Springfield, Ohio, during the presidential debate …”)

What have they taken from you? What returned land do you object to as being returned to First Nations People and why? I would like to consider the objection with specifics rather than just wild broad inferences.

AWW?

 

[Neil O'Brien]

Dawili should not be made a national holiday in Australia it has no historical even cultural significance to the majority of Australians its significance is to a cultural and minority immigrant group of a minority religion Hindu and Indian immigrants next thing we will have minority and religious migrant and refugee groups demanding we have national holidays to celebrate their national and religious days these people should be assimilating to the Australian way of life if our historical cultural social heritage and religious way of life is not acceptable then I would suggest that return to their own countries instead of trying to to change our way of life to suit them. Advance Australia Long Live Australia