Celebrate Diwali!

Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists throughout Australia and around the world are filling their homes and neighbourhoods with joy, colour and light as they celebrate the festive season of Diwali.

Diwali, Deepavali or Divali, also known as the Festival of Lights, takes place around the Autumn new moon (northern hemisphere), which marks the passing of the darkest day of the year.

Across five days, this year beginning on October 22, families and communities will light candles, and illuminate the streets with lanterns and fireworks. Diyas, traditional clay candles are used in the home for decoration. They are often placed within Rangoli which are beautiful geometric circular patterns created on the floor or tabletop using coloured powder, sand, flowers, dry rice, stones and crystals.

The rangoli are usually situated at entry-ways to invite positive energy into the home and repel evil spirits. Candles and lights symbolise a triumph over darkness, of goodness over evil and knowledge over ignorance.

Food, of course, is integral to the celebration, with delicious feasts are prepared using the very best spices and ingredients. Rich, colourful sweet meats are a main feature, often also given as gifts.

If you’d like to experience this wonderful festival, there are events happening all over Sydney, some hosted by councils and community groups, others by restaurants and temples.

The City of Parramatta has lit up the river foreshore and Wigram Street in Harris Park with a stunning light installation which will be in place until the end of October. They will also host the Little India Harris Park Diwali Fair on October 30.
atparramatta.com/diwali

Cumberland City Council is hosting an evening Diwali Festival in Wentworthville on October 29, with lots of cultural activities, delicious food, Bollywood block party.
www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/diwali-festival-2022

Happy Diwali!