Diwali/Deepavali in Australia ― Date, History, and Details
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Let's dive deeper into learning more about the history of Diwali/Deepavali in Australia and why people celebrate or observe it.
History of Diwali/Deepavali in Australia and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
Diwali, also known as Deepavali and the Festival of Lights, is an important celebration for Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities in Australia. It is a five-day festival that usually takes place during late October or early November. The main event of Diwali is the lighting of lamps, which symbolises the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
In Australia, Diwali celebrations have been taking place since the mid-1980s. Initially, small gatherings were held in people’s homes, but nowadays there are many public events taking place across Australia. These include fireworks displays, Indian music and dance performances, bazaars and other cultural activities which bring the community together. In some cities, such as Sydney, a large parade is held to mark the start of the festivities.
To observe Diwali in Australia, people can attend public events such as parades, festivals and fairs. At home, they can create their own decorations and prepare traditional foods. They can also take part in religious ceremonies such as prayers, offerings and the traditional oil-lamp lighting ceremony. On the final day of the festival, families often gather together to exchange gifts, share stories and enjoy a festive meal.