Some may argue that having non-vegetarian food stalls and allowing sleazy and barely dressed women performing erotic dances at Diwali celebrations are ways and means of assimilation with the Western culture and transferring the Festival to the next generation.
Would any other religion accept such blasphemy? Perhaps some Indians may do so but Indo-Fijian Hindus, whose ancestors sacrificed their lives and careers for the betterment of their future generations would never allow tradition and values to be eroded.
They still regard Diwali as a sacred and religious event, which should retain its reverence. It is therefore important that Diwali is organised and managed by community organisations, which are not dictated by 
commercial gains or publicity. The goodness of India in general and Diwali in particular is that despite being classed as a religious festival, it has been encompassed by the whole country.
Diwali should be regarded as an Indian festival.
The vision adopted by some Hindu organisations is that of a dynamic, vibrant Hindu Society inspired by the eternal values of Dharma, and the lofty ideals of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (‘The Whole World is a Family’).
It does not treat other religions with contempt but embraces the different faiths as many streams flowing into a big ocean.
It has no ethnocentric slogans that it is the best or its Gods are the only true Gods, and all other non-believers would rot in hell.
Repulsive commercialism
As the basic tenets of Diwali are grounded in Hinduism, it is essential that the advent of Western and commercial influence in our lives are not allowed to paint Diwali with the same brush which has metamorphosised religious occasions as an excuse to make money.
The growing commercialisation of Diwali has become a matter of debate in certain parts of New Zealand, where some localities with large concentration of Hindus miss a really community-focused and community-led celebration.
It is acceptable that Diwali has been a unifying factor in bringing people of all colour, races, culture and creed together in a better assimilating environment.
However, it is also essential for Hindus to ensure that the celebrations are not hijacked in the name of unity and social cohesion by business and individuals for their personal financial gains or political ambitions.
Religious functions and occasions are certainly not launching pads for egoistic individuals seeking prominence and personal glory.
That is why, when we have the Super City, the uniqueness of Diwali that comes out of Waitakere should not only be retained but also encouraged and emulated by other celebration organisers. This is because Waitakere Diwali is still managed by the community, led by the Waitakere Indian Association, and not dictated by any commercial or institutional interests. That is why we still have culturally founded ‘Ram Lila,’ prayers and other traditions associated with Diwali that may be missing from other celebrations.
Continuing Tradition
Waitakere Diwali has diligently fought to retain its evening programme steeped in the true Diwali traditions, despite pressure and temptation to do otherwise.
In a move to attract younger generation in Diwali, Waitakere this year will also feature a School Dance Competition where culturally appropriate items will be showcased to encourage the next generation to have pride in their culture and heritage.
The other change, with the objective of enhancing the already growing event and embrace the wider Indian community, this year’s Waitakere Diwali will feature a free Dandia and Gharba Night on October 23, followed by Diwali the next day (October 24) at The Trusts Stadium.
Let this Diwali enlighten us and the sweets sweeten us as those who treat their religion as a way of life and love for all human beings.
Thakur Ranjit Singh is a political commentator on Fiji issues and a postgraduate student in Communication Studies at AUT. Email: thakurji@xtra.co.nz
