Coinciding with Diwali, a mesmerising and colourful celebration of the colours and textures of India took place recently in Sydney. Powerhouse Late: Charkha and Kargha was a celebration of Indian textiles including fashion, cultural and dance workshops, weaving demonstrations and conversations.
The event hosted by the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney and curated in collaboration with Gandhi Creations was to celebrate Diwali (the Hindu festival of lights symbolising the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance) and engage with the burgeoning Indian diaspora communities.
Along with four spectacular fashion runways in collaboration with ‘Meera’ by Poornima Sharma, the evening was filled with exciting activations such as Saree Demonstration by Five Pleats. Over 18 nationalities were represented across the runway, showcasing the diversity of Australia and India.
The event also included Live Indian Instrumental Musical Workshop by Ustad Sarsha on Sitar, Yoga Demonstration with Yogi Chauhan, Bollywood Beats by DJ Kareena and DJ Andy, Tarot Card Reading by Mystic Party and Bollywood Dance Workshops by Bollywood Dance School Australia.
The highlight was also the screening in the museum’s King Cinema of a short video, The Majestic Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, presented by Consulate General of India Sydney.
Mrs Nimeesha Gupta, wife of Mr. Manish Gupta, the Consul General, Consulate General of India Sydney and Mr Joseph La Posta – CEO, Multicultural NSW opened two of the fashion runway showcases and provided their insights in to the diversity, depth and colour that comes with the creative industries of India.
“It was a pleasure to be at one of Sydney’s iconic cultural institutions and see the fabrics, weave and colour of one of our emerging Australian artists, proudly of Indian decent. A terrific fusion of elegance, enjoyment and colour”, said Mr La Posta
Speaking at the event, Mrs Nimeesha Gupta said that this was a spectacular event and a wonderful initiative.
“A spectacular event to showcase the diverse regional strength of Indian handwoven fabrics and appreciate the generational legacy of the rich textile heritage of India that has been kept alive by the workmanship of skilled weavers. A wonderful initiative led by Powerhouse Late in collaboration with Sonia Gandhi and the team of Power House Musuem”
The plane Catalina flying boat ‘Frigate Bird II’ which served as the backdrop of the event also has a history of its own. According to the details provided by Powerhouse Museum, the PBY Catalina was the most successful flying boat ever produced and the Museum’s Catalina is one of 168 ordered by the RAAF for service during World War II.
