Geetha Stephen, secretary of the Ballarat Indian Association, is enormously appreciative of the welcome her people have received over the past number of years.

"We have received so much love and support," Ms Stephen said.

"I've been here for the last four-and-a-half years and there has not been a single moment I have felt I have been away from the place I have come from. The people of Ballarat have been so warm and welcoming.

"Whomever I see, they greet you so well with a beautiful smile and they check on you. All that makes you feel so good. I feel at home. From day one until now, I really believe it."

Like her fellow countrymen and countrywomen, Ms Stephen knows the importance of Diwali, a five-day celebration with the focal point being Thursday November 4.

Diwali is the annual 'Festival of Lights'. It is a time of positivity and generosity for Indian people.

"Diwali is all about light," Ms Stephen explained. "The day means darkness over light. If there's light, the darkness will go away. It's like good over evil."

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Despite the Indian population consisting of all manner of faiths, Diwali does not discriminate.

"In India, Diwali is celebrated across all the religions, be it Hindu, Christian, or Muslim," Ms Stephen said. "They burst crackers; they light lamps. In my childhood, only on festival days did we get new clothes. We got a lot of presents. Another tradition is you get the blessings of elders."

Throughout Thursday in Ballarat, historical practices will be followed. Traditional Indian dress, the kurta for males and saris for females, will be worn; lamps will be placed around households; special offerings will be made to gods; different varieties of sweets will be consumed; the company of friends and family will be enjoyed.

The ravages of the pandemic have increased the level of anticipation, according to Ms Stephen.

"Ballarat's Indian community is looking forward to Thursday," she said. "Especially what we we have gone through together with the pandemic situation, this year will be more open and free for friends to visit you."

Having experienced a virtual occasion last year, the Ballarat Indian Association is not holding back in 2021 and it is even planning to celebrate Diwali with another event to be held by the first week of December.

"We are excited and delighted it's going to be a face-to-face celebration," a joyous Ms Stephen said.

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