Celebrate Diwali in style

LOCAL celebrations of the festival of lights continue on Saturday, with the recently established Indian Association of Bendigo’s Grand Diwali Event at Strathdale Community Centre.

The entry fee includes the opportunity to engage in a range of games and cultural activities, as well as a three-course Indian buffet dinner and unlimited non-alcoholic drinks.

Inaugural secretary of the IAB Luxman Dua says the event is all about celebrating the festival together as a “big happy family, just like people do in India.”

“Meet and greet, exchange gifts, dance Bollywood numbers with a live DJ, showcase your dancing and singing skills, and last but not the least, enjoy a big fat three-course Indian feast,” he said.

“Anyone who loves Indian dance, Indian food and Indian culture is most welcome to attend.”

Mr Dua said Diwali is the biggest festival in India, although it’s celebrated all over the world.

“The festival of lights is Deepawali in the southern states and Bandi Chhor Diwas in the Sikh community,” he said.

“The festival symbolises spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.”

Formed this year, the Indian Association of Bendigo is a not-for-profit, apolitical, areligious incorporated association, whose purpose is to promote diversity and celebrate Indian culture in the Bendigo region by bringing smaller groups with Indian connections under one umbrella.

The Grand Diwali Event takes place at Strathdale Community Centre on Saturday, 5 November from 6pm to 10.30pm. Tickets can be purchased via bit.ly/3NnFJBE.