Every year Celebrate India adds new dimensions to the festival. Year 2010 was no exception. An extensive program was planned for Diwali, beginning with a Media Launch of the festival on 25^th October at the new Consulate General of India which was attended by many dignitaries, sponsors and members of the media. This was followed by a Bollywood Film Festival at Federation Square for five days, co-sponsored by the Govt. of India and Mind  Blowing Films. This was greatly enjoyed by a large number of Victorians.

For the first time, 25 super banners carrying Diwali Greetings hurled across many corners of the Melbourne city for one week.

This year saw Celebrate India floated an Indian float at the MOOMBA Festival for the first time when about 60 artists displayed a the epic story behind festival of Diwali when  Lord Ram, Laksman, Sita and Hanuman ji were returning to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. The Villagers started to celebrate with lighting the pathways and dancing to rejoice the return of their beloved King after conquering the devils on their way, hence starting the annual celebrations of Diwali festival

The main event on Saturday, 30^th October was a real challenge this year as the heavens poured for 8 hrs straight forcing the program to shift indoors after just an hour of outdoor performance. A few thousand people waited in persisting rain but there was no respite. Regardless, the perseverance of those who waited was rewarded when the program moved indoors to BMW Edge for a non- stop five and a half hours of excellent performances by a number of local groups including a performance by the Greek community group. The 15 member visiting Indian dance troupe from Rajasthan, sponsored by the Govt. of India stole the hearts of all with its scintillating and thrilling folk dances.

The rain god finally decided to take a break allowing the spectacular Fireworks at the Yarra to culminate the festivities.

Despite the heavy rain, all the dignitaries, Premier John Brumby, The High Commissioner of India Mrs. Sujatha Singh, Opposition Leader in Victoria Mr. Ted Baillieu,

COM Councillor Ken Ong, Consul General of India in Melbourne Ms Anita Nayar and other invited guests graced the occasion and applauded the resilience of Celebrate India’s team for putting up a great show under extremely difficult circumstances.

*This was the second year when Melbourne Airport was decorated for the Diwali festival along with many homes and business. A Victoria wide Lighting competition ran for 10 days with some great prizes including a return airfare to India.

*This year another achievement we had when Diwali was taken as a theme and was celebrated in December at the showrooms of Luis Vuitton, a very well known international brand  at Crown Casino and Southland.

This year saw Celebrate India floated an Indian float at the MOOMBA Festival for the first time when about 60 artists displayed a the epic story behind festival of Diwali when  Lord Ram, Laksman, Sita and Hanuman ji were returning to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. The Villagers started to celebrate with lighting the pathways and dancing to rejoice the return of their beloved King after conquering the devils on their way, hence starting the annual celebrations of Diwali festival.