LOCAL celebrations of the festival of lights continue on Saturday, with the recently established Indian Association of Bendigo\u2019s Grand Diwali Event at Strathdale Community Centre.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Inaugural secretary of the IAB Luxman Dua says the event is all about celebrating the festival together as a \u201cbig happy family, just like people do in India.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMeet 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,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnyone who loves Indian dance, Indian food and Indian culture is most welcome to attend.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Dua said Diwali is the biggest festival in India, although it\u2019s celebrated all over the world.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe festival of lights is Deepawali in the southern states and Bandi Chhor Diwas in the Sikh community,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe festival symbolises spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n