Nairobi, Kenya, October 30- During the 2024 Diwali celebrations, President William Ruto acknowledged the Hindu community’s desire for Diwali to be declared a national holiday. He stated that this proposal must go through the necessary legislative process before becoming official.
Ruto indicated plans to discuss the matter with the Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetangula, aiming to facilitate the proposal’s passage before the next Diwali celebration in November 2025.
“I have heard your request regarding Diwali as a national holiday. I will submit it to the government process, as the speaker is present,” Ruto assured the community, reaffirming the Kenya Kwanza administration’s commitment to protecting the rights of all Kenyans to worship freely.
Understanding Diwali
Diwali, often called the Festival of Lights, is one of the most celebrated Hindu festivals worldwide, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. The name “Diwali” is derived from the Sanskrit term Deepavali, meaning ‘row of lights.’ Celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and some Buddhists, it marks Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after a 14-year exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana, representing the overcoming of adversity.
The festival lasts five days, with each day holding its own cultural and religious significance. Important days include Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali), the main Diwali day, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj. The celebrations involve various traditions, such as prayers, lighting oil lamps, and family gatherings, culminating in a vibrant celebration on the main Diwali day.
Celebrating Diwali in Kenya
In Kenya, the Hindu community, especially in urban areas like Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu, celebrates Diwali with great enthusiasm. The festivities include decorating homes and businesses with diyas (oil lamps) and creating colorful rangoli patterns on the floors. On Diwali night, devotees conduct a puja (prayer) ceremony honoring Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, to seek blessings for prosperity and well-being.
Despite its rich traditions and the growing population of Hindus in Kenya, Diwali has yet to be officially recognized as a national holiday, a matter that the community hopes will change in the near future.
