INCREDIBLE lights and food are essentials in Diwali and the new Friends of India Network wants to show this city what the biggest Indian festival is all about.
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Friends of India Ballarat’s Bobby Mehta said it was always more fun sharing culture with others, do the Network is hosting its inaugural open dinner and dance to everyone in Ballarat.
“When someone says Diwali, we want people to know what it is, be excited and be involved,” Mr Mehta said. “We were brought up celebrating Christmas in England and loved it...we were spoilt for choice in celebrations. Who doesn’t want to celebrate.”
Mr Mehta said Friends of India Network was not just an Indian association, the aim was to share Indian culture in Ballarat and promote greater cultural understanding among all cultures.
He encouraged people to be part of something bigger and the Diwali festival was a great way to start.
Diwali, the festival of lights, is all about good triumphing over evil. Indian homes traditionally have lights or candles in every room and through the garden to keep evil spirits away.
Friends of India will celebrate with dancing and tasty Indian food at the Mecure on October 29. Mr Mehta said Diwali is marked on the next day, a Sunday, with families celebrating at home with a short prayer, lighting diyas and a big feast.
The group also plans to organise community celebrations for Holi, the Indian festival of colour, in March.
“Our group is not just all Indian people but it allows Indian member to contribute to our new home and still be part of the home they left behind,” Mr Mehta said.
“This is about engaging with the community. Ballarat is becoming more and more multicultural. It is always more fun sharing culture with others.
“There is this great quote that an integrated community is a strong community. It’s creating understanding and familiarity with each other’s culture.”
For more details about the Friends of India or its Diwali festival in Ballarat, visit the group’s Facebook page, Friends of India Network – Ballarat.