Vatican City, Oct 28, 2010 / 16:29 pm
The Vatican is wishing the world’s Hindus a “joy-filled Deepavali.”
In a letter to mark the annual Hindu festival of lights, Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran asked that God, "the Supreme Light," enlighten minds and hearts and strengthen the bonds of friendship and respect among religious believers.
Deepavali is celebrated on Nov. 5 this year. The holiday marks the lunar new year in the Hindu calendar.
Cardinal Tauran, president of the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue, expressed hope that Hindus and Catholics could work together to address "the grave and unresolved challenges of our times."