Diwali 2009
Diwali 2009 was conducted on 10th of October at Federation Square, Melbourne.
The Diwali of 2009, apart from the celebrations, was also infused with a meaningful awareness towards a noble and charitable cause. For the very first time, Celebrate India Incorporate had partnered with the esteemed Breast Cancer Foundation in order to raise awareness about breast cancer and its prevention among the people and also to raise funds for the noble cause of cancer prevention.
The program began at 1:00 pm and continued till sunset. As always, there was no cuts in entertainment, fashion, activities, and workshops during the day. In the evening, Melbourne also witnessed the magical spectacular moment when fireworks at Yarra banks showcased and the heritage and historic buildings were beautifully adorned with light.
Competitions were also a major part of the celebrations, with the ‘Diwali Lighting Competition’ held during the festive week, 10-17th October.
Highlights of Diwali 2009:
• Traditional and Folk dances of India: The Indian Government is sending a folk dance troupe to perform at the Federation square
• Biggest Bollywood dance workshop by the world-famous and incredible Shaimak Davar dance group of Mumbai, the home of Bollywood
• Best fireworks ever seen in Victoria on the banks of the Yarra River
• Food stalls serving authentic and mouth-watering Indian cuisines
• Magic shows
• Mehndi
• Face painting
• Beautiful Indian costumes
• Stunning jewellery
• Bollywood CDs and DVDs
• Fun games and competitions
• Children talent shows
• ‘Dholis’ and music, besides live band singing Bollywood melodies
An incredible experience awaited the people in Melbourne who had been eagerly anticipating the Diwali festivity that let them in into a colourful, eventful, musical, and illuminating world of a mini India.
As the event coordinator of Celebrate India Inc Arun Sharma had remarked, ‘Diwali was 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’. In addition, he believed that this event was a good opportunity for our community to build mutual respect for each other and welcome the wider community considering some recent setbacks with students.
Further, Celebrate India Inc’s logistic coordinator Virendra Berera also reminded everyone that it was a free, family event and informed about the tight security for everyone.
Aptly stated for Diwali is the only festival when India illuminates and sparkles with brilliant, dazzling lights, showing the shared love, understanding, joy, and hope in the hearts of its teeming millions.
Our deepest thanks to the team of Celebrate India Inc 2009 for bringing the joyous event and beauty to the wonderful city of Melbourne: our home away from home.