On October 26, 2024, Federation Square in Melbourne transformed into a vibrant celebration of culture and community, hosting the 19th annual Celebrate India Diwali Festival. Organised by Arun Sharma and his dedicated team, this year’s event was marked by exceptional weather and an enthusiastic turnout, showcasing the rich heritage of India while strengthening ties within the local community.

A Magical Experience
Reflecting on the festival's success, Arun Sharma shared, “It was absolutely magical! We felt loved.” The clear skies and pleasant temperatures created an ideal setting for attendees, reinforcing the festival’s reputation as Australia’s largest Diwali celebration. Over the years, Sharma and his team have worked tirelessly, engaging local artists and community members to create an authentic Indian cultural experience. “This festival is the biggest in Australia due to the support we receive from our community. They love what we present to them,” he added.

Engaging the Community
One of the highlights of this year’s festival was the focus on engaging the younger generation. With the fifth edition of the “Dance for Diwali” competition and the inaugural “Show Your Culture” competition, families participated enthusiastically, showcasing their talents and cultural pride. “We were thrilled to see young children reciting shlokas in Sanskrit and giving Diwali wishes in various regional languages,” Sharma remarked. The event also encouraged attendees to don traditional Indian attire, creating a colourful sea of garments throughout the city as participants travelled to the festival.
Sharma emphasized the importance of these initiatives, stating, “Our Diwali celebration is open, inviting, and fun. This way, we could share and educate others about our vibrant culture.”

Unforgettable Performances
The festival featured standout moments that captured the essence of Diwali. Notably, a Kalbeliya troupe from Rajasthan, invited by the Government of India especially for this festival, added an authentic touch to the festivities. The emotional centerpiece was the Ram Darbar setup, where a dance drama presented by the youth wing of Chinmaya Mission depicted the birth of Diwali—Ram ji’s return to Ayodhya with Sita ji, Lakshman ji, and Hanuman ji. “One older patron told me with tears in her eyes, ‘we weren’t there then but today we got some feelings of what people must have felt in Ayodhya at that time,’” shared Sharma, highlighting the powerful emotional connection the performance fostered among attendees.
The festival also featured a unique fusion performance by an African band collaborating with international Indian students, further showcasing the event’s commitment to cultural diversity. The night culminated in a spectacular fireworks display over the Yarra River, symbolizing the light and joy of Diwali.
Many iconic buildings like MCG, Old Treasury building, Indian consulate were illuminated along with Fed Square for Diwali celebration till late.

Success Stories and Future Plans
The competitions revealed heartwarming moments, particularly among the youngest participants. “There were entries from very young children narrating hymns and giving Diwali wishes in various regional languages that were truly touching,” Sharma noted. The judges faced challenges in selecting winners due to the high calibre of talent displayed.
Looking ahead, Sharma acknowledged the evolving landscape of community engagement. “It is getting slightly difficult now as our community has expanded quickly, which means many more artists are keen to perform, but some can be too demanding,” he explained. “Managing expectations is becoming challenging.” Nonetheless, he remains optimistic about the future, noting that many young volunteers are eager to contribute positively to the festival and the community. His request again for Diwali holiday for all Indians was loudly cheered by the crowd was acknowledged by the leaders of both sides.

A Message for the Next Generation
In closing, Arun Sharma expressed pride in the younger generation’s commitment to preserving their cultural heritage. “We feel excited to see our young ones taking pride in their culture and putting in the hard work to learn,” he said. He envisions a bright future for the community, stating, “I can see genuine community leaders emerging, ready to serve without seeking personal gain.”
The 19th Celebrate India Diwali Festival not only illuminated Melbourne with its lights and festivities but also fostered a sense of belonging and cultural appreciation among attendees. As the community comes together to celebrate its roots, the festival stands as a testament to the vibrant tapestry of cultures that make up Australia. The success of this year’s event promises an even more spectacular celebration in the years to come.

G’day India