Triumph of light

Diwali is the ancient Hindu ‘festival of lights’. Celebrated by millions of people in India and all around the world, the annual five-day festival represents the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. Celebrated with lights in the form of candles and lamps, fireworks, family feasts and the exchange of many gifts, Diwali is also a time to pay homage to Hindu deities, including Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, and Ganesha, the god of good fortune.

Deity design

The medallion’s reverse portrays a representation of Lakshmi sitting on a lotus flower, the symbol of enlightenment. An intricate halo design and hanging lanterns surround the goddess, while coins from her palm tumble into a bowl. Also included in the design is the inscription ‘happy diwali’, the medallion’s weight and fineness, and The Perth Mint’s traditional ‘P’ mintmark.

The medallion’s obverse portrays Ganesha sitting on a cushion surrounded by the same halo motif, lanterns and inscription ‘happy diwali’. The god is attended by a mouse, one of his traditional mounts, who offers a sweet as a symbol of generosity.