Diwali - like any other festival under any faith, has a very universal message, ie love, enlightenment and best wishes for the future. Every Hindu cleans and decorates their house with oil filled earthen lamps, candles or electric bulbs. On the evening of the Diwali day, Laxmi, the Goddess of Wealth, is worshipped along with Lord Ganesha. Fireworks are displayed in front of almost every house to ward off evil spirits from that area. Every one, rich or poor, young or old, celebrates this festival.
People visit friends, relatives and business associates to exchange greetings and gifts.
Thus it provides an opportunity to enhance brotherhood in the society. O Sai Baba. The centre is holding a Sai Baba Hui at Houmaitawhiti Marae, Rotoiti, on Labour Weekend from Friday 4pm 24 October to Monday, 11am 26 October 1998. A very warm welcome is extended to all members and individual families of Sai Baba organisation to come and join with Te Mana Aroha O Sai Baba Group and other Sai Baba centres and groups from around New Zealand. The venue is one of the most historical and picturesque in Te Arawa on beautiful Lake Rotoiti.