Celebrate Diwali at the Great Stupa

A LOCAL take on a significant religious event, Diwali – the Hindu festival of lights, is coming up and the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion and will be celebrated with a light show and cultural performances 

Known as Enlighten, the event will feature light displays across the Great Stupa’s Peace Park and onto the building, and a cultural dance group will be at the centre of the action.  

Matt Griffin, marketing and events manager at the Great Stupa, said Enlighten will also celebrate the occasion with traditional Indian food, prayers, and other activities and attractions. 

“Diwali is basically the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance,” he said.  

“It’s a nice family fun night out for everybody and a bit of a cultural experience as well.” 

The Ganesh Temple specifically will be the site of festivities, made in honour of the late Brishti Ganesh. 

“The Ganesh temple is actually named in honour of a young girl that did pass away to brain cancer a few years ago,” said Mr Griffin.  

“Her father wanted to build something in her memory, and he built this temple here onsite.” 

“Her name was Brishti and they named the band [Nepalese dance group Brishti and the Band] after her as well.” 

The Diwali Festival at the Great Stupa will be on from 6.30pm to 9.30pm on Saturday 11 November and tickets can be purchased at stupa.org.au.