The Hindu festival of lights, Diwali, is being celebrated across various cities of Australia. The Governor General of Australia, Samantha Mostyn AC, hosted a morning tea at Government House in Canberra with the Hindu Council of Australia celebrating the commencement of Diwali earlier this week.
Various celebrations took place across different cities some with distinctive Aussie colour to them.
In a stunning symphony of ancient Indian and modern Australian culture, ‘Jai Shri Ram’ and ‘Aigiri Nandini’ echoed in Sydney as the Consulate General of India, Sydney and Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre celebrated Diwali in partnership with the Art Gallery of New South Wales.
The programme comprised of various Indian cultural activities including music, dance, a rangoli workshop, and a special tour to celebrate the Festival of Lights.
Earlier Diwali celebrations took place at the Powerhouse Museum in Castle Hill, Sydney. Powerhouse is Australia’s largest museum group. The programme of music, dance and storytelling was hosted in collaboration with the Consulate General of India, Sydney and the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre.
“Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ also reverberated in Sydney as Australian (Sydney) Chapter of ICAI (Institute of Chartered Accountants of India) proudly presented Diwali Gala 2024 in Sydney, inspired by the profound theme “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” symbolising “The World is One Family.”
In celebration of this concept, CA members and their families created a unique dance drama titled “Life of a CA: Shuddh Desi NRI,” honouring the unity and cultural richness of India. The performances captured the essence of India from 1995 to 2024 through an engaging script, choreography, and a selection of nostalgic music from sources such as Akashvani, Doordarshan, and the iconic song Anekta Mein Ekta (Unity in Diversity) to showcase India’s festivals and traditions.
The Hindu Council of Australia and its various chapters also organised Diwali celebrations across Australia.
The Hindu festival of lights (also known as Deepavali) is celebrated each year on the 15th Day of the ‘Kartik’ month (eight month according to the Hindu calendar) on Amavasya (new moon).
It is commonly celebrated by lighting small oil lamps called diyas, and symbolises the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance and hope over despair.
An iconic Australian confectioner, Sticky, known for its handcrafted rock candy, has also embraced the spirit of Diwali by crafting colourful, intricate sweets designed to honour the Hindu cultural tradition of sharing sweets on this festival of lights.