COLORFUL sarees and vibrant, Indian performances will soon come to Bunbury to celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights.
2021 marks the 10th year of the celebrations in Bunbury, hosted by the South West Indian Group.
Group president Dr Parthasarathy Ramesh said the theme of the festival this year was harmony to celebrate happiness, unity and life in the current "Covid-19 pandemic world".
"It's also a global celebration of happiness and joy across the world," Dr Ramesh said.
"Diwali, or Deepavali in Sanskrit, means a row of lights. But in the true sense, it symbolises the 'awareness of inner light'."
Diwali was first celebrated some 2,500 years ago and marks the celebration of the awakening and awareness of an "inner light" that has the "power to outshine darkness and clear all obstacles in life."
Celebrations usually revolve around the lighting of diyas or clay lamps, to represent the victory of good over evil.
Dr Ramesh said this notion of outshining darkness applies to everyone in a spiritual context, especially in the current pandemic.
"Diwali is a global celebration of happiness and joy across the world."
- South West Indian Group president Dr Ramesh
"This year's event will specifically be a mark of respect to all the lives that have been lost both to Covid and various other illnesses across the world.
"Visitors can look forward to a fashion parade with colourful sarees, vibrant performances, Indian themed stalls, Indian vegetarian food created by Spice Journey and fire dancers with interactive fire demonstrations."
Dr Ramesh thanked the Office of Multicultural Interests, the City of Bunbury council, Spencer Family Dental, Terry White Chemmart for their support.
The South West Indian groups', Bunbury Diwali, Festival of Lights event will be held at Bunbury's Italian Club on November 13 from 3pm to 6pm.
Tickets are available online at https://bit.ly/SWIGBunburyDiwali2021, with all booking fees donated to the Girls' Education Funds project.
Pip Waller
After working in film and television production in Perth, I returned to my hometown of Bunbury to further my skill set as a journalist. I am passionate about the empowerment of women and giving a voice to the unheard members of our community. You can contact me at pip.waller@austcommunitymedia.com.au
After working in film and television production in Perth, I returned to my hometown of Bunbury to further my skill set as a journalist. I am passionate about the empowerment of women and giving a voice to the unheard members of our community. You can contact me at pip.waller@austcommunitymedia.com.au
