Waurn Ponds’ skies will erupt with fireworks as Diwali returns to the region in a spectacle of colour and light.
Deakin University’s Waurn Ponds Campus will host a free and family-friendly event recognising the Hindu festival of lights, and will feature cultural performances, music, food, henna art and market stalls.
Greater Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said he would be joining other guests in lighting a candle to begin the event and that he encouraged residents and visitors to immerse themselves in the festivities.
“Diwali is a breathtaking celebration of Geelong’s third-largest and fastest-growing culture,” he said.
“I can’t wait to join the crowds at this year’s event and celebrate the beautiful and rich multicultural tapestry that makes Geelong such a wonderful place to live”
The event will also include Rangoli, a traditional Indian art that involves creating patterns on the ground using material such as coloured powders, rice flour, sand and flower petals.
Deakin vice-chancellor Professor Iain Martin said he looked forward to welcoming everyone to the Waurn Ponds campus for the free community event.
“You can enjoy fantastic music, food and cultural performances to celebrate the Festival of Lights,” he said.
“We are part of a wonderfully diverse community here in Geelong, and the Diwali Festival brings together people of all backgrounds in a joyful celebration of culture and inclusion.”
Diwali is an annual global celebration that signifies the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, with Deakin hosting its event on Friday 24 October from 6pm followed by a fireworks display at 9pm.
