Indian bishops greet Hindus for Diwali, pray for peace

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Oct 31, 2016:  India’s Catholic bishops have extended their greetings to Hindus throughout the world during their popular festival of lights, urging them to work to end corruption and violence.

"As our skies sparkle with fireworks and homes in our country will be illuminated with bright decorative lights, may our hearts be filled with the light of goodness and our country be rid of the darkness of corruption, violence and divisive forces," the message said.

The Oct. 27 statement from the Catholic bishops conference of India, also prayed that the feast would "usher in peace, progress and prosperity in our country and in the world."

"May the celebration of this ’festival of lights’ re-illumine our minds and hearts that all of us, believers in the Supreme Light and people of goodwill, individually and together, strive always, even amidst difficulties and challenges, to live by and to stand for truth, light and life," said the bishops’ statement.

Diwali celebrates mythical stories of the goodness of gods defeating dark forces of evil. The feast, which transcends faiths, is celebrated across India with people illuminating their homes and sharing gifts, fruits and sweets.

Following a Hindu calendar, the feast comes on the full moon day of October-November heralding the onset of winter.