President William Ruto hosted Diwali Celebrations at the State House. Speaking during the celebration, he said that the government will deliberate and make the day a public holiday from 2025.
The Hindu community, present at the function, had asked the President to honor them since other major religions have national holidays.
Though businesses and offices remained open, the Asian community participated in religious rituals and family gatherings, much like their counterparts in India and other parts of the world.
“This is not only for ourselves as we feel for this country and we feel a Hindu public holiday will make us proud to be Kenyans and we want to celebrate with all of you,” he said.
“It Has to go to Parliament..”
Ruto explained what it would take to make that happen. “I will undertake to subject it to the process of government,” the President said as he responded to the request.
He explained that the request has to follow the legal process through the Parliament before being gazetted.
“The Speaker is here, if it has to happen, it has to go all the way to Parliament but I assure you we will have decided by the next Diwali,” Ruto said.
The President encouraged the Asian community to take pride in their place in Kenya. He assured Kenyans that his administration respects the right to religion.
What is Diwali?
Diwali is one of the most significant religious celebrations around the world, originating from India. Diwali is mainly associated with Hinduism, though it’s celebrated by Sikhs and Jains globally. The different religions attribute a special religious meaning to the celebration.
Diwali is a 5-day festival that comes from the Sanskrit terms ‘avali,’ meaning ‘row,’ and ‘deepa,’ meaning ‘clay lamps’ or ‘lights.’ Together they symbolise “a row of lights.”
Lights represent its victory over darkness or good over evil.
During the festival, homes, streets, and temples are decorated with rows of clay lamps, candles, and electric lights. Sparklers and fireworks also light up the sky at night, to symbolise fending off of spiritual darkness.
When is Diwali?
Diwali does not have a constant date every year. It’s based on the Hindu lunar calendar and marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year. It’s a time of fresh beginnings for millions around the world.
The Hindu calendar is guided by the moon position, and takes place in October or November, depending on location and local time zones.
Diwali this year was celebrated on Friday, November 1, 2024. Employment laws in Kenya allow employees to choose a limited number of holidays from a list of optional holidays. Some chose this day, however, most offices and businesses remain open.
