The colours, sights and sounds of India will come together in Perth this month for Western Australia’s biggest ever Diwali celebrations.
Diwali, the Indian Festival of Lights, is a significant festival in Hinduism, Sikhism and Jainism and symbolises the victory of good over evil and light over darkness.
For almost 70,000 Western Australian Indians, the period will be marked with visits to family and friends, prayers, sharing of food and community celebrations.
Diwali events are now some of the biggest community festivals in this State and are enjoyed by all of Western Australia’s Indian communities, as well as by increasing numbers from the wider community.
The Office of Multicultural Interests’ Community Grants Program is supporting two major community events to celebrate Diwali in Western Australia:
- The Swan Festival of Lights, organised by the Saraswati Mahavidhyalaya Institute Inc, held at the Supreme Court Gardens between October 13-15, 2017, with a grant of $15,000; and
- The Diwali Mela, organised by the Indian Society of WA Inc, held at the Claremont Showgrounds between October 21-22, 2017, with a grant of $10,000.
This evening Parliament House will also host a Diwali and Hindu New Year celebration, organised by BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha.
And for a third year, Parliament House will be floodlit in orange for a week, from October 15, to indicate the State’s recognition of the achievements and contributions of Western Australia’s Indian communities.
Details for Diwali events happening across the State, can be found at http://www.omi.wa.gov.au