Stupa continues to enlighten

THE magnificent Great Stupa of Universal Compassion in Myers Flat will come alive on Saturday evening to observe Diwali, a predominantly Hindu annual festival that celebrates the metaphorical victory of light over darkness.

The Diwali event is the latest in the Great Stupa’s Enlighten series, a jaw-dropping, immersive after-dark experience that spans the property and has to be seen to be believed.

Attendees will also take in dance and live music performances, prayer ceremonies, as well as dinner served from a range of food trucks.

Matt Griffin, the Great Stupa’s marketing and events manager, said the idea for the Diwali celebration came about via Umesh Lal Shrestha, who was responsible for organising and installing the property’s Brishti Ganesh Temple to commemorate the tragic loss of his daughter to cancer.

“We spoke to him about hosting a celebration for Diwali because Ganesh is the Hindu god,” he said.

“We decided to go ahead with it, incorporating Enlighten, our new light show. It’s an educational, fun event that allows the public to come out and enjoy the experience as well as celebrate interfaith cultures.

“The array of performers coming are looking forward to the opportunity to perform in front of a large crowd after a few tough years, so everyone is really excited.

“We will continue to bring out these Enlighten events, celebrating cultures so we can bring more and more people to this part of the Bendigo region.”

Keep an eye on the Great Stupa’s website for future event announcements. Visit stupa.org.au.