Share the light at Diwali festival

THE Hindu festival of lights and one of India’s most anticipated annual celebrations, Diwali, is being marked by a local organisation with their inaugural celebration. 

Diwali celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil. 

McIvor Heights’ resident of 23 years, Shivali Chatley, is part of the team at Entertainment Experts presenting local festivities. 

She said she hopes it will encourage stronger bonds between across the community. 

“Every year I celebrate Diwali at my home on my own with my little brother,” she said.  

Ms Chatley helps run a local post office which she said puts her in regular contact with 2500 residents, several of whom she said motivated her to organise the upcoming event. 

“This year I had a thought that I should be celebrating Diwali with the people whom I meet every day,” she said. 

“Although they’re my customers, they are my community, they are my friends or family friends at any capacity, so I decided to celebrate Diwali with everyone. 

“It’s not just for the Indian community, we want to celebrate with the entire community.” 

Ms Chatley said there will be several Bollywood and Indonesian dance performances with performers from Bendigo and Melbourne, DJ music, Indian food, a jumping castle for kids, and special guests. 

The Bendigo Diwali Celebration will be held on Saturday 2 December from 11am to 4pm at Strathdale Community Centre. 

Ms Chatley said the diya or lamp-lighting ritual will begin at 12pm, followed by Indian cultural performances.