"Festival of Light" brings community together

After celebrating Diwali for the first time last year, Counties Manukau Police have again marked the festival that’s observed by almost 1 billion Hindus around the world.

Together with the Department of Corrections, Counties Manukau Police hosted an event which included cultural performances, a presentation ceremony and concluded with a traditional Indian lunch enjoyed by all.

Diwali is also known as 'the festival of lights', because on this day, people illuminate their home and premises with diyas and colorful lights.

"The event was organised to bring people from different backgrounds together to celebrate this auspicious occasion and increase awareness about the Indian culture" says Constable Gurpreet Arora, Counties Manukau Community Liaison Officer. "It was great to see non-Indians dressed in traditional Indian dress including Saris."

As District Commander John Tims said in his speech, “Prevention First starts right here through this event”.

What is Diwali?
Deepawali is a Sanskrit word composed of 2 roots (deep & awali) which means “row of lights”. The word is often contracted to “Diwali”. On Deepawali day, rows of small clay lamps (deep/diyas) are traditionally lit and placed in houses. Fireworks are let off everywhere; giving Deepawali its description, “the festival of lights”.

Deepawali is India’s biggest and most significant festival celebrated by Hindus around the world. The festival of Deepawali symbolizes the light of knowledge that destroys ignorance.

A brochure on Diwali celebrations is available on the Human Rights Commission website.