SA Hindu Maha Sabha advocates for responsible Diwali celebrations and respect for all communities

DIWALI is a time of great joy, peace and blessings. To the Hindu community, Diwali signifies the triumph of righteousness over evil, the return of Lord Ram, Mother Sita and Lakshman from 14 years of exile, beautifully depicted in the Ramayan and going back to time immemorial. Diwali will be celebrated tomorrow.

- SIMI SHARMA

AS THE Hindu community prepares for Diwali celebrations tomorrow, the South African Hindu Maha Sabha calls for unity, cultural understanding, and responsible celebration, urging all South Africans to respect the rights of the Hindu community while fostering harmony in a diverse nation. | Pexels

It is one of the most auspicious and popular of Hindu festivals. Yet, every year, from certain quarters, it elicits outrage, a lack of understanding and sadly a tirade of “hate speech” using inter alia social media platforms.

In an attempt to avert or rather curtail animosity and conflict, the South African Hindu Maha Sabha (SAHMS) hopes to educate the community on the rights of all citizens and on the broader significance of Diwali in the hope that this will build rather than divide.

Diwali signifies love, tolerance and goodness that dwells in every human heart. As a rainbow nation, South Africans have the advantage of appreciating and embracing our diverse cultural practices. South Africa is a constitutional democracy.

The Constitution is recognised as the Supreme Law of the land. All laws, practices and observances are weighed against the provision of the South African Constitution. We are enjoined by our Constitution “to strive for a society built on the democratic values of human dignity, the achievement of equality, the advancement of human rights and freedom”.