2007

In 2007, the Lord Mayor of City of Melbourne Mr. John So and the High Commissioner for India HE Mrs. Sujata Singh lit the traditional Diwali lamp and officiated the event. Many more dignitaries such as the Opposition Leader of Victoria Hon Ted Bailieu, MPs Ms Jenny Mikakos, Hong Lim, Marsha Thompson and the Consul General for India in Victoria graced the occasion.
This event was sponsored by the City of Melbourne, Victorian Multicultural Council, Primus Telecom and SBS. Approximately 37,500 people attended the celebrations, turning it into a grand success, besides making it ‘the second biggest community event at the Federation Square.

This year Diwali festivities were extended and celebrated over two weeks period and a Bollywood film festival was co-sponsored for Diwali and ran over 10 days. The success story of this Diwali event was mentioned in the Victorian Parliament.

An inaugural, Victoria wide Lighting Competition also started this year for all Indian Business to join in and light up their buildings for 10 days and were judged by an elite panel for various worthwhile prizes. In its first year we had over 90 entries, ( see past event for more information/photos).