The government of Sindh on Friday designated October 28 a holiday for the Hindu community on account of the Hindu festival of Diwali in all provincial government offices.
According to a notification issued on October 25 by Sindh Chief Secretary Mumtaz Ali Shah, “The government is declaring October 28, 2019 (Monday) as holiday for the Hindu community on the occasion of Diwali for all offices, autonomous, semi-autonomous bodies, corporations and local councils under the administrative control of government of Sindh.”
The Hindu community around the world celebrates Diwali or the “festival of lights” every year in autumn, wherein they decorate their homes with lamps called ‘diyas’ and candles.
The holiday is said to symbolize the victory of light over darkness.
According to Hindu belief, Diwali is observed in honour of deities Rama and Sita’s return to Ayodhya – the seat of their kingdom – after spending 14 years in exile. According to some traditions Diwali is also said to celebrate the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity, Lakshmi.