As communities around the world celebrate one of the most anticipated occasions on the Hindu calendar, the Ballarat Indian Association is throwing open the doors of its Diwali event.
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The annual festival of lights celebration will be held at Wendouree’s Cooinda Centre on Saturday with kids activities, workshops and performances.
Ballarat Indian Association president Xavier Mani said while hosted and supported by the Indian community, the event would be a chance to share cultural traditions and promote harmonious living.
“We found lots of people from the other communities, all of them have been coming in large numbers to this event in the past years,” Mr Mani said.
“We are happy that there is that much support from the local community.”
But the celebrations would also be welcomed by a growing Indian community in Ballarat, Mr Mani said.
“This is the biggest Hindu festival and for people who have migrated from other countries, they also want to celebrate Diwali in a big way,” Mr Mani said.
“What we are trying to do is create some of that atmosphere so they don’t feel that they are away from their home town or country.”
Kids activities run from 4.45-5.15pm, a Bollywood workshop run by an experienced Melbourne group will take place from 5.15-5.45pm, while the main event, which includes stage performances, kicks off at 6pm.
The night will end with the crowd invited onto the dance floor. Cost is $6, while children under 12 are free.
