Sydney Opera House lights up on Diwali after a ‘Viraat’ Sunday

New Delhi: On the auspicious occasion of Diwali, Sydney Opera House lit up after several world leaders including Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wished Happy Diwali to everyone celebrating the festival across the world.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese released a statement on Monday calling Diwali “A season of reflection and renewal”. “May this Deepawali bring every joy and contentment to you and your loved ones,” he said.

The Consulate General of India tweeted saying “After a Viraat Sunday, Sydney all geared up to witness Grand Diwali”.

Another Diwali wish with a cricketing reference came from Google CEO Sundar Pichai who celebrated Diwali by watching ‘the last three overs again’.

“Happy Diwali! Hope everyone celebrating has a great time with your friends and family. I celebrated by watching the last three overs again today, what a game and performance #Diwali #TeamIndia #T20WC2022,” he tweeted.

In another remarkable development on, New York mayor Eric Adams announced that Diwali will be a holiday for the New York City public school starting next year in 2023.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also took to Twitter to wish the Hindu community in Pakistan and around the world on the occasion of Diwali.

“Wishing the Hindu community in Pakistan and around the world on Diwali , the festival of lights. May the day bring peace, joy and harmony to our world!” he tweeted.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also released a video to wish everyone celebrating the “Festival of Lights” in Canada and around the world.

“Diwali represents the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, right over wrong and the power of freedom, hope and knowledge,” he said.

Former UK Prime Minister Liz Truss also wished everyone in the UK and worldwide a joyful Diwali and ‘Bandi Chhor Divas’.

“I wish you all peace and prosperity and a very Happy Diwali,” she said.

Deepavali, popularly known as the festival of lights, is celebrated nationwide with great fervour and enthusiasm. People perform puja, observe rituals, decorate their homes with diyas, rangoli, ornaments, and lights, enjoy delectable sweets and meals, dress in new traditional attire, and more.