Diwali 07 - Festival of Lights October 12, 2007

“Diwali 07 @ Federation Square”
On behalf of Celebrate India Inc.

“DIWALI” or Festival of Lights will be celebrated this year on Saturday 13th October 2007 at Federation Square.This annual event, “Festival of Lights” celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. Surely this optimistic and hopeful theme is relevant to our world today?

At Diwali time in India, generally in October/ November, there is a feeling of “unity in diversity” regardless of religion or other differences. Families come together for meals and to exchange gifts such as sweets and dry fruits. Children look forward to Diwali in India in much the same way as they look forward to Christmas in the west – with great excitement and anticipation.

In towns and cities, public buildings are lit up and throughout India homes are surrounded by oil lamps and candles, while people wear their smartest new clothes and the atmosphere is one of hope. At the end of the day, the sky is lit up by fire crackers and sparklers.

Diwali is really a reminder of the beauty of this world and all things in it – what a great message of hope and optimism this is for all our children.

Diwali is now celebrated in at least 21 countries including Mauritius, African states, England, Fiji, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Nepal and Bhutan.

The Diwali Event in Melbourne

Diwali comes to Federation Square on Saturday 13th October from 12pm with Bollywood and traditional dances, variety of Indian food, costumes and Jewellery stalls, dancing & Henna (Hand painting) workshops and will conclude with spectacular fireworks on the banks of the Yarra in the early evening. Many of Melbourne’s iconic buildings and business will be illuminated for Diwali, making it the biggest celebration in Australia.

This event is sponsored by VMC, City of Melbourne, SBS Radio, Federation Square and others.

Official Website: http://www.federationsquare.com.au/index.cfm?pageID=19&viewDate=2007-10-1&eventID=770