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The lunar calendar marks Diwali on November 8 this year. As the Festival of Lights approaches, Melbourne’s South Asian diaspora is on the lookout for community and connection, hoping to keep familiar traditions and a sense of belonging alive.
Thankfully, Melbourne has plenty in store, from song and dance performances to art workshops and special food and drink offerings. There’s no shortage of ways to get into the festive spirit.
Here are our top picks for celebrating Diwali in Melbourne.
1. Diwali activities at the Immigration Museum
There’s arguably no better way to immerse yourself in Indian culture and get into the Diwali spirit than by spending the afternoon at the Immigration Museum on November 7. With most activities free, except for a $15 embroidery workshop, visitors can get henna designs, create rangoli designs (colourful floor patterns made using coloured sand), contribute a drawing or stitch to a collaborative 10-metre textile artwork or learn Indian embroidery.
There’s also Nukkad Naach, billed as Australia’s first South Asian dance cypher, hosted by Melbourne dance community Magan. The event will see crews from across the city take turns in the circle, performing everything from Bollywood and bhangra to indie bangers and forgotten classics, before inviting everyone to join in at the end, regardless of their dance skills.
More info here.
2. Exclusive Diwali treats and gifts at Thaali Fairfield
Whether you grew up celebrating Diwali or are experiencing it for the first time, chef and Thaali co-owner Ishu Wadhawan wants everyone to feel welcome at his Fairfield outpost.
There’ll be a specially curated Diwali thaali, colourful rangoli, floral decorations and a complimentary aam panna (raw mango) welcome drink. Guests can also look forward to shahi tukra, a traditional Indian dessert prepared exclusively for Diwali weekend, along with complimentary gifts for dinner guests.
More information here.
3. Special Diwali menu and performances at Bibi Ji
If you’re looking to get more out of your dining experience than just a full tummy, Bibi Ji is livening up mealtime with a fair-like twist on Diwali night.
Guests can enjoy a special Diwali menu featuring à la carte favourites, from dahi puri pops to classics like murgh makhani (butter chicken). A live dhol performance kicks off at 6.30 pm, followed by a belly dance performance at 8.30 pm, bringing plenty of music and movement to the evening.
More information here.
4. A chaat cart for last-minute party emergencies
Planning a Diwali party but feel like something’s missing? Delhi Streets might have just the thing. Bringing the flavours of Delhi’s bustling street-food scene straight to your doorstep, its Chaat Cart offers everything from street-food favourites like bhel puri and samosa chaat to traditional Indian desserts like carrot halwa and gulab jamun, adding a little extra colour and flavour to the festivities.
And for those leaving their party planning to the last minute, the cart can be booked with just three days’ notice. So if your Diwali gathering needs a little extra something, this could be your saving grace.
More information here.
5. Temples and local Diwali celebrations
As much as Diwali is a time to enjoy great food, there’s much more to the Festival of Lights than feasting. And just because you don’t live near the CBD doesn’t mean you can’t get involved in the festivities closer to home.
Local councils, libraries and community centres across Melbourne are getting into the spirit with activities ranging from lantern-decorating workshops to Diwali-themed story times. Head to Reservoir Library for a special Diwali Storytime, decorate your own lantern at Cranbourne West Library or create colourful rangoli designs at Mickleham South Community Centre.
Even the MCG is joining in, with its own Diwali celebrations. And for those looking to observe the religious traditions of Diwali, local Hindu temples and Sikh gurdwaras may also be holding prayers, pujas and special services in the lead-up to and on Diwali itself. It’s worth checking with your nearest place of worship for details.
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