Mayor wishes happy Diwali to people across the borough
The Mayor of Dudley and Dudley Council’s chief executive have extended their wishes for a happy Diwali to all who are celebrating today.
Diwali is often referred to as the ‘Hindu Festival of Lights’ but it also falls on what is an important day for Sikhs around the world as they celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas, which means ‘Prisoner Release Day’.
Councillor Sue Greenaway, The Mayor of Dudley, said:
I wish everyone who is celebrating a very happy Diwali, which is a festival of lights that marks the beginning of a new year.
Amalgamated with Bandi Chhor Divas, this is one of the major festivals celebrated, with Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists around the world joining together to mark this wonderfully special day.
Kevin O’Keefe, chief executive at Dudley Council, said:
I would like to take the opportunity to wish all of those celebrating a very happy Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas.
I hope people enjoy gathering with friends and family to mark these significant dates, both of the celebrations symbolise hope and here’s to brighter times ahead.
Prisoner Release Day celebrates Guru Hargobind Sahib who was released from Gwalior Prison in India along with 52 princes in 1619. The day is seen as a victory of right over wrong and a tribute to the Guru who saved the lives of the 52 men without violence.