A DIWALI Lights Festival will be held in Ballarat this Saturday.
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Australian Association for Indian Culture and Education chairperson Amitabh Singh said there had been a celebration of the festival in Ballarat before, but not on this scale.
He said it was traditionally a Hindu festival, but now celebrated by many people around the world.
“In India every family celebrates Diwali,” he said.
“No matter your social status, they go out and buy clothes, decoration and food and decorate their whole house in lights.”
He said the festival was a good day for people of all cultures and backgrounds to come together.
“These festivals are a way to enhance inter-cultural understanding to help achieve love, peace and harmony.”
He said the association decided to bring the festival to regional Victoria after noticing not much happening.
“We could see things happening in metropolitan areas, but not regional areas.”
A festival was held in Geelong last year and the association hoped to hold one in Ballarat annually.
The festival will be held at the Ballarat Showgrounds, near the Harry Smith Pavillion between 12.30pm and 7pm. Cost is $5 per adult while entry for children is free.