Andrew Leigh

Diwali in Canberra

Federation Chamber

20 October 2014 

Diwali, or Deepavali as it is also known, is one of the most import festivals in the Hindu calendar. Diwali was celebrated this weekend in Canberra at the Albert Hall. A celebration of the victory of light over darkness, Diwali is an important reminder that all of us are strengthened when we celebrate each other and each others festivals.

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most important festivals in the Hindu calendar. Held either on 22 or 23 October—depending on whether you are on north Indian time or south Indian time—Diwali was celebrated this weekend in Canberra with a significant festival at the Albert Hall. The program was split into three parts: the saffron session, the white session and the green session. It was my pleasure to be one of the chief guests in the green session. I pay tribute to Krishan Aggarwal, the chairman of the Diwali Mela Inc, and to the many people who work to make the Diwali celebration a success. The participants included guests from the Oriya Association, the Karnataka Association, the India-Australia of Canberra, the Canberra Bhangra Jammers, the Filipino Association of Canberra, a Tamil Nadu dancing group, an Assamese folk dancing group, and the Canberra Sikh Association.

The music was extraordinary, as was the display of Bollywood dancing. Diwali celebrates the victory of light over darkness, and it is an important reminder that all of us are strengthened when we celebrate each other's festivals.