The Hindu community in the country has expressed optimism that the annual Diwali festival will in the future be recognised as a public holiday.
Chairman of the Hindu Council of Kenya Kamal Gupta said on Monday that the declaration would grant the Hindu community a great sense of recognition as an integral part of the country.
"As a Hindu community, we pray that this will be considered as a national day to ensure that the community also feel that great recognition and I'm sure that one day our country and leadership will accept our prayer," Gupta said.
He was speaking during an interview with KBC Tv.
Speculation was rife across social media over the weekend with a majority of Kenyans expressing optimism that Monday would been declared a public holiday to mark Diwali.
The Ministry of Interior, however, put out a statement on Sunday dismissing a fake gazette notice that purported to declare the festival a public holiday.
"Our attention has been drawn to a purported Gazette notice issued by @InteriorKE declaring Monday 24th October 2022 a public holiday. Members of the public are advised that this is FAKE notice that should be ignored," the message read.
Diwali is one of the most important festivals within Hinduism which is celebrated during the Hindu lunisolar month, Kartika.
The festival which is also referred to as the Festival of Light advocates for togetherness and giving to the less fortunate in society.
Gupta urged the Hindu community in the country to abide by this doctrine and give to the less fortunate during the five-day festivity period.
He noted that this would be a noble cause particularly considering that communities across several counties are staring at starvation in light of prevailing drought situation in the country.
"Please do your best to make this great country of Kenya to be on the highest level and our brothers and sisters that are in need have to be served in the best possible way this Diwali," he said.
Gupta extended well wishes to the entire Hindu community across the country and wished them good health and prosperity.
"We pray that everyone's life has to be full of light and happiness and togetherness," he said.