An Indian festival that celebrates the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil comes to Mernda for its second year next month.
The Diwali festival of lights is a five-day celebration observed by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains around the world.
Mernda and Doreen Multicultural Association president Tom Joseph decided to bring the festival to Melbourne’s north last year, acknowledging the region’s growing Indian population.
Whittlesea council records show the three most common countries of birth, other than Australia, are Italy, India and Macedonia.
“The festival of lights is an opportunity for members of the Indian community in Whittlesea to celebrate our culture with the rest of the community,” Mr Joseph said.
He’s expecting more than 10,000 people to join in at Buttercross Park on October 24. Festivities will begin at 11.30am and continue until 9pm after a colourful display of fireworks.
There will be classes in Indian classical dancing and Bollywood styles, belly dancing, fire dancing and Indian drumming, as well as rides, live music and market stalls.
