About Us
About SarasCare
Pioneering Australian Charity Upholding Sanatan Values
Based in Melbourne and expanding its influence to regional Victoria, SarasCare is a revered charity staunchly rooted in the profound Sanatan values of Karma (action), Dharma (duty), Seva (selfless service), and Chetana (consciousness).
Honored for its significant contributions, the organization was awarded the Telstra Community Foundation Award in 2022, establishing its esteemed position in the Australian charitable sector.
About Melbourne Diwali
Diwali is so widely celebrated—it’s an important religious festival for Hindus, but is also observed among Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists.
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In North India, Diwali commemorates Prince Rama’s triumphant return to the city of Ayodhya after 14 years of exile due to the plotting of his evil stepmother-and after a heroic rescue of his wife Sita, an incarnation of the goddess Lakshmi, who had been kidnapped by the rival king Ravana.
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In South India, meanwhile, Diwali honors the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon king Narakasura, who had imprisoned 16,000 women in his palace and meted out harsh punishments to any of his subjects who dared stand up against him.
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And in western India, the festival celebrates Vishnu’s banishment of King Bali-whose immense power had become a threat to the gods–to the underworld.
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For Sikhs, whose religion arose in the late 15th century as a movement within Hinduism that is particularly devoted to Vishnu, Diwali commemorates the release of the 17th-century guru Hargobind after 12 years of imprisonment by Mughal emperor Jahangir.
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Jains, whose ancient religion dates back to the middle of the first century B.C. and also shares many of the beliefs of Hinduism, observe Diwali as the day that Lord Mahavira, the last of the great Jain teachers, reached nirvana.
History Of Diwali
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is celebrated not only by Hindus but also by Jains, Sikhs, Buddhists, and diverse communities across South and Southeast Asia, and the global Indian diaspora. While the symbolism of light triumphing over darkness is universal, the stories and practices vary across cultures and regions.
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In Jainism, Diwali marks the moment Lord Mahavira attained nirvana. Sikhs observe Bandi Chhor Divas, celebrating Guru Hargobind’s release from captivity. In Nepal, Diwali takes the form of Tihar, a five-day festival honoring not just gods, but also animals like crows, cows, and dogs. Sri Lankan Tamils celebrate with temple visits, oil lamps, and sweets, while in places like Singapore, Mauritius, and Trinidad, vibrant multicultural festivities unite communities.
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In Hindu traditions, North India commemorates Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, while South India celebrates Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. In Western India, it honors the banishment of King Bali by Lord Vishnu.
Across all forms, Diwali is a celebration of community, reflection, renewal, and hope—where light dispels darkness, and good rises above evil.
