Vatican, Oct 16 (DPA) The Vatican Friday urged religious tolerance in a greeting for the Hindu festival of Diwali which many of the estimated one billion followers of the world’s oldest religion will celebrate Saturday.
The message titled: “Christians and Hindus: Committed to Integral Human Development,” was signed by the head of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran.

“Dear Hindu friends… a happy Deepavali (Diwali)! Religious festivals enable us to revitalize our relationship with God and one another,” the message began.

“May this Festival of Lights, while elevating our minds and hearts towards God, the Supreme Light, strengthen fellowship among us and bless us all with happiness and peace,” it continued.

“Respect for others therefore implies the recognition of their freedom: freedom of conscience, thought and religion,” it added.

Diwali which is also known as the festival of lights is commemorated by many Hindus - some 890 million of whom live in India - with lit lamps in honour of Lord Rama the legendary ancient Indian king.

Tensions between India’s tiny Christian minority and Hindus have grown in recent years.

In 2008 in the Kandhamal district, of India’s Orissa state widespread communal violence broke out after the murders of a Hindu leader Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati and four of his aides in August of that year.

Saraswati had been leading a campaign against conversion to Christianity in the area and Hindu extremists blamed Christians for his killing, even if responsibility was claimed by Maoist rebels.

Scores of churches and houses of Christians were set on fire by Hindu groups, and villagers of both religions clashed. At least 40 people were killed in the state and more than 25,000 Christians were forced to flee after their homes were attacked by mobs.