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Lighting Up For Diwali, the Indian Christmas in October

Sun, 10/23/2016 - 00:00 /

Cultures And Traditions

Diwali or Deepavali – otherwise known as the Festival of Lights or ‘row of lights’ – is an important event in the Indian calendar. Here’s a little more about Diwali or Deepavali and where you can celebrate it around the country.

Diwali, the Indian Christmas

Diwali takes place every year on the 15th day of Kartika, the eighth month in the Hindu calendar, and lasts for around five days.

The ‘official’ Diwali day is usually the third day of celebrations and is somewhat equivalent to both Christmas and New Year’s rolled into one!
Festivals and other events are held to honour Rama-chandra, the seventh incarnation of the god, Vishnu, who defeated the evil god, Ravana, and returned to his people after 14 years of exile.
During Diwali, people decorate their homes and businesses with lights, clay lamps and candles to signify the victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.
Dancing, singing, stalls, shops, light displays, workshops and fireworks also often make up Diwali celebrations.

Diwali Events in Australia

With almost 300,000 Hindus living in Australia (and around 390,000 Australians of Indian descent), Diwali is an important festival throughout the country and has been celebrated here for over 15 years.

Down Under, Diwali/Deepavali festivities generally take place throughout the entire month and can even stretch into November.

What can you do to celebrate Diwali or Deepavali in 2016?

For those in Sydney, head to Martin Place on 10/13th or Parramatta Park on 10/23rd. Both events are family friendly, free to attend and will include performances, food stalls, fireworks and a Ravana Effigy Burning. A Diwali celebration will also take place at the Blacktown Showgrounds on 10/16th.
In Adelaide, you can attend the Diwali Festival at the Gaza Sports and Community Club in Klemzig on 10/16th from 12pm. There is also a Bollywood Diwali Cruise Night taking place on 10/28th.
In Melbourne and Victoria, several Diwali/Deepavali events will be held in Mernda (10/15th), Epping (10/16th, with singer Mika Singh), Wyndham (10/22nd), Sandown Racecourse (10/23rd), Melbourne (10/29th, Cruise Night), Dandenong (10/30th), and Ashburton Hall (11/5th).
If you’re in Canberra or close to it, celebrate Diwali on 11/6th at Lennox Gardens in Yarralumla from 11am. Performances will also be held at Albert Hall nearby.
Planning on celebrating in Brisbane? Head to Rocklea Showgrounds on 10/2nd for the Diwali Festival or hang out until 10/21st for the Festival of Lights at King George Square.
Whether you live in or will be visiting Perth, you can join the Diwali Mela event on 10/15th at HBF Arena or party with performer Mika Singh on 10/23rd.