Hindu festival of light inspires multicultural celebrations

A harmonious celebration of light’s triumph over darkness will fill the walls of the South West Italian Club as the South West Indian Group proudly presents the seventh Bunbury Diwali Festival of Lights event on November 17.

Group president Parthasarathy Ramesh said this year’s theme, Glimpses of India, would showcase some of the Indian states along with a fashion parade.

Dr Ramesh said Diwali was a global festival celebrated by millions of people worldwide irrespective their religions, ages, ethnicity and gender.

“Diwali festivities imply a sense of wellness and happiness for friends and families worldwide,” he said.

“Despite being a Hindu festival, Diwali celebrations have truly become a multicultural event in Australia and worldwide, reflecting unity in our diverse population.”

Fire dancers and stilt walkers will join the line-up of entertainment, which will also include Bollywood fusions, Gharba, a brass band, South Indian Classical Dance, stalls and henna tattoo artists.

Dr Ramesh said he was particularly excited about the all-female West Coast Bhangra team from Perth, visiting Bunbury for the first time.

The event will be attended by local dignitaries, Government officials from the Office of Multicultural Interest, the Consul General of India and along with heads of Indian Associations from Perth and WA.

Dr Ramesh thanked sponsors who helped to considerably lower the ticket price of the event, which he hoped would allow more guests to enjoy the family-friendly celebration and buffet dinner of Indian delicacies.

Indian costumes are welcomed, with prizes to be awarded for the best dressed. For more details, call 0469 882 635.