Festival of light on stage

CELEBRATE Diwali with the Ballarat Indian Association this weekend, as they host a colourful evening of performance, food, and family fun in Mount Helen.

The event will be held at Founders Theatre from 5.30pm to 9pm, on Saturday, 5 November, and BIA member Neil Dcouto said it’s free for everyone.

“We’ll have a mixture of things within the showcase to mark Diwali, which is the festival of lights that represents good over evil, light over darkness,” he said.

“It’s one of the biggest festivals celebrated in India, and because we have different Indian communities within Ballarat, people will see how each of the cultures celebrate it.

“People can sit down in the theatre, where we will have dance performances, songs being sung, and even a cultural fashion show, so the audience can see what the costumes are that people wear in different parts of India.

“It’s a place where family and friends can meet and greet, and spend time together.”

Mr Dcouto said young people are welcome to participate in the fashion show, whether they’re part of the Indian community or not.

“Anyone that wants to show off their best outfit is welcome to come up on stage, as there will be no winners or losers,” he said.

Multi cuisine food stalls will be available. Entry is free, but bookings are required via trybooking.com/cdjau. Check in from 5pm.

Ballarat Indian Association were also recent recipients of a grant from a State multicultural festivals and events fund, to support their Holi Festival 2023.