KUCHING: The Sri Maha Mariamman Temple Kuching in collaboration with Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR), hosted a vibrant Diwali state-level celebration highlighting the state’s spirit of unity and multi-faith harmony.
Sri Maha Mariamman Temple Association president Datuk Shankar Ram Asnani said the festival reminds everyone that even the smallest flame can spark hope, illuminate the path, and guide the community forward in beautiful Sarawak.
“A festival is never truly celebrated by only one race; like tonight, where we all gather together as one big Sarawak family.
“Our cultures do not merely coexist; they uplift, embrace, and strengthen one another. This is truly what makes Sarawak special.
“Diwali also reminds us that light always finds a way through darkness. In Sarawak, that light is magnified because we carry it together: across communities, across faiths, across all that might divide us elsewhere but unites us here,” he said.
He said this in his speech during the Sarawak Shines: Diwali the Sarawak Way Diwali state-level celebration at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) yesterday (Nov 17).
Earlier, Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, were warmly received upon arrival by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and his wife Datin Doreen Mayang, along with Shankar and his wife Datin Karishma Shankar Asnani, UNIFOR director Datuk Georgina Apphia Ngau, Penghulu Lucy Lingam, and other notable guests.
Leaders from the Christian, Buddhist, Taoist, Sikh, Bahá’í, and Hindu communities also attended, highlighting Sarawak’s multi-ethnic and multi-faith unity.
The evening featured traditional Deepavali dances, Kollywood songs, local cultural performances, and an array of Indian and local delicacies.
The event also featured the symbolic ‘Lighting of the Oil Lamp’ ceremony as part of the launching gimmick, officiated by Uggah, Shankar, and other distinguished guests.
Shankar expressed gratitude to the Indian community groups present, including the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple Batu Lintang, Kaliamman Temple (Ban Hock Temple), Sri Maha Mariamman Temple Matang, Sikh Temple, Sai Baba Centre, Art of Living, Indian Muslim League, and other Indian-based NGOs, as well as guests who travelled from Miri, Sibu, Bintulu, and other parts of Sarawak.
“Tonight is not just a celebration of Diwali; it is a celebration of community, culture, and Sarawakian togetherness.
“May the light we share tonight continue to glow in our homes, our hearts, and in this beautiful land we call home,” he said.
