The Hindu community in Kenya has expressed optimism that the annual Diwali festival will be recognized as a public holiday in future.
Moreover, chairman of the Hindu Council of Kenya Kamal Gupta while speaking during an interview with KBC on Monday, October 24 stated that declaring Diwali a public holiday would grant the Hindu community a great sense of recognition as an integral part of the country.
“As a Hindu community, we pray that this will be considered as a national day to ensure that the community also feel that great recognition and I’m sure that one day our country and leadership will accept our prayer,” Gupta said.
Nonetheless, Kenyans came up with speculations across social media over the weekend with most of them expressing optimism that Monday would been declared a public holiday to mark Diwali.
However, the Ministry of Interior put out a statement on Sunday, October 23 dismissing a fake gazette notice that purported to declare Diwali festival a public holiday.
“Our attention has been drawn to a purported Gazette notice issued by @InteriorKE declaring Monday 24th October 2022 a public holiday. Members of the public are advised that this is FAKE notice that should be ignored,” the message read.
Furthermore, Diwali is one of the most important festivals within Hinduism. It is celebrated during the Hindu lunisolar month, Kartika.
In addition, Diwali which is also referred to as the Festival of Light advocates for togetherness and giving to the less fortunate in society.
The chairman of the Hindu council of Kenya also urged the Hindu community to abide by this doctrine and give to the less fortunate during the five-day festivity period.
According to Gupta, this would be a noble cause considering the state of starvation facing several counties considering prevailing drought situation in the country.
“Please do your best to make this great country of Kenya to be on the highest level and our brothers and sisters that are in need have to be served in the best possible way this Diwali,” he said.
Nevertheless, Gupta extended well wishes to the entire Hindu community across the country and wished them good health and prosperity.
“We pray that everyone’s life has to be full of light and happiness and togetherness,” he stated.
