Pretoria - Arts and Culture Minister Paul Mashatile has extended Diwali greetings to the Hindu community as preparations get underway to celebrate the festival of lights on Wednesday.
Diwali, or Deepavali as it is known, was a great spiritual and festive occasion, the minister said.
"This Festival of Lights comes after a month long discipline of abstinence. Diwali or Deepavali, meaning a row of lights, signifies the victory of light over darkness. This is when people of Hindu faith take stock of their actions, in order to bring peace, happiness and prosperity to all," he added.
It was also a time to remember the teachings of Hinduism and its universal call for tolerance and goodwill towards fellow people, Mashatile noted.
These guiding principles could help contribute to social cohesion in the country, he said.
"May we continue to be compassionate and generous to all people. In the spirit of Deepavali let us embrace knowledge and light. We wish you a joyful Deepavali and a Happy New Year," Mashatile added.
