Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday called Diwali an "extraordinarily beautiful celebration of faith and culture" that inspires Australians from all walks of life.
"This annual festival of joy, hope and togetherness is an extraordinarily beautiful celebration of faith and culture - one embraced by Australia's diverse and vibrant society," Albanese stated in his Diwali greetings.
"With its celebration of the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance, it affirms the ideals that inspire Australians from all walks of life. The rituals and traditions of Diwali are in every way an expression of community, culture and heritage. It's a moment to enjoy the company of loved ones, and to reflect on the shared inheritance of centuries of tradition," he added.
Sending his wishes to the Indian community in Australia on Diwali, the Australian PM emphasised that the festival of lights, joy, hope and togetherness is an extraordinarily beautiful celebration of faith and culture - one embraced by Australia's diverse and vibrant society.
"As families and friends gather in homes, parks, temples and community centres across our nation, may the glowing lights of this cherished festival bring you peace and joy. To everyone who celebrates, I wish you a wonderful Diwali," he mentioned.
The Prime Minister of New Zealand also sent his wishes to all those celebrating Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas.
"Happy Bandi Chhor Divas. I'm wishing those celebrating the Festival of Lights a meaningful, vibrant, and joyful Diwali!" he posted on X.
Earlier this week, the White House also hosted a Diwali reception with US President Joe Biden reflecting on how the South Asian American community has enriched every part of American life.
"On this day in America, we think about that journey of light. Earlier in our nation’s founding, generations before [you lit a] diya in the shadow of the suspicion. Now, in the [our] time, Diwali is celebrated openly and proudly here in the White House," he stated.
Border guards of India, B'desh exchange sweets on Diwali
On the occasion of Diwali, sweets were exchanged on Thursday between the troops of Border Security Force (BSF) and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), all along the border with Bangladesh, officials said.
PM Modi continues Diwali tradition, celebrates with soldiers in Gujarat's Kutch
Continuing his tradition of spending Diwali with the armed forces and other security forces on the borders, Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the festival of lights on Thursday with personnel from the Border Security Force (BSF), Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force in the Sir Creek area of Gujarat's Kutch.
Indian, Chinese troops exchange sweets at LAC in Ladakh on Diwali
This comes after India and China undertook the disengagement process at the LAC in the union territory. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said during an event in Arunachal Pradesh that the process was near completion.
Former BJP MLA Brahm Singh Tanwar joins AAP ahead of Delhi Assembly polls
In a significant setback for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) before the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, three-time MLA Brahm Singh Tanwar joined the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Thursday.
Everybody must accept reality that J&K is Union Territory: Lt Governor
In an obvious reference to NC leaders, including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Cabinet ministers, Sinha said: "It was unfortunate that those who took oath under the Indian Constitution are opposing UT status of J&K. This reflects their dual character."
Mumbai Congress receives jolt as veteran Ravi Raja joins BJP
A veteran Congress leader, Ravi Raja along with his supporters on Thursday joined the BJP in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the party's Mumbai unit chief Ashish Shelar.
UP CM celebrates Diwali in Ayodhya, prays at Ram temple
A day after Deepotsav, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath began his day on Thursday with a visit to Hanumangarhi, where he prayed to Bajrangbali.
WBJDA meet on Nov 9 seeking submission of charge sheet by CBI in RG Kar case
West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Association (WBJDA) has organised a mass convention on November 9 demanding quick submission of the final charge sheet by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital rape and murder case.