Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese marked the celebrations of Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas on November 1, 2024, with visits to a temple and a gurdwara in Sydney. His first stop was the Sydney Murugan Temple, where he engaged with the Tamil Australian community. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Albanese expressed his delight, stating, “Deepavali celebrates the victory of light over darkness,” and praised the temple as a sanctuary for Western Sydney’s South Asian Hindu community.
Later, he visited Gurdwara Sahib Glenwood, where he donned an orange turban and opened a newly expanded kitchen that serves thousands weekly. In another post, he conveyed his joy in celebrating Bandi Chhor Divas, stating: “Happy Bandi Chhor Divas! Wonderful to celebrate at Gurdwara Sahib Glenwood today.”
Albanese emphasized the significance of these festivals in his remarks, describing Diwali as an “extraordinarily beautiful celebration of faith and culture” that resonates with Australia’s diverse society. He noted that these celebrations reflect ideals of joy, hope, and togetherness, encouraging Australians to enjoy the company of loved ones while honoring centuries of tradition.
His participation in these festivities highlights his commitment to fostering inclusivity and cultural heritage within Australia’s multicultural landscape.
