Big crowd celebrates Diwali at Deakin

HUNDREDS of people flocked to Deakin University’s Waurn Ponds campus on Friday last week for its Diwali Festival.

The annual Hindu festival of lights signifies the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, and is observed around the world.

Deakin has hosted Diwali celebrations for many years, and this year’s free, family-friendly event ran over three hours, including cultural performances, a DJ, food and market stalls, henna art and rangoli – a traditional Indian art creating brilliant patterns on the ground using material such as coloured powders, rice flour, sand and flower petals.

A big crowd gathered to dance into the evening and await the spectacular fireworks display at 9pm.

City of Greater Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj and Deakin vice-chancellor Professor Iain Martin were among the dignitaries who lit a candle to begin the event.

“We are part of a wonderfully diverse community here in Geelong and the Diwali Festival brings together people of all backgrounds in a joyful celebration of culture and inclusion,” Professor Martin said.