By Dhabessa Wakjira

MELBOURNE — On 8 November, many Victorians will celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights. Observed by Hindu, Jain, Sikh, and Buddhist communities, Diwali holds different meanings and traditions across cultures and faiths. Across these celebrations, the festival is associated with hope, the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance.

A Festival Shared Across Faiths

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in the world. Its name derives from the Sanskrit word deepavali, meaning “row of lights.” For Hindus, it marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana—a celebration of the triumph of dharma (righteousness) over adharma (evil). For Jains, it commemorates the attainment of nirvana by Lord Mahavira. For Sikhs, it marks the release of Guru Hargobind Ji from imprisonment and the Bandi Chhor Divas, a celebration of freedom and justice. For Buddhists, particularly in Nepal and parts of India, it is associated with the day Emperor Ashoka embraced Buddhism.

Despite these different origins, the common thread is unmistakable: light overcoming darkness, knowledge overcoming ignorance, and hope overcoming despair.

How Victorians Celebrate

Across Victoria, Diwali is celebrated with a richness that reflects the diversity of the communities who observe it. Homes are cleaned and decorated with rangoli—intricate patterns made from coloured powders, rice, and flower petals. Diyas (oil lamps) are lit and placed around homes and in temples, symbolizing the light of knowledge and the presence of the divine. Families gather for prayers, share sweets and festive meals, and exchange gifts.

In Melbourne, public celebrations have become a major feature of the city’s cultural calendar. From Federation Square to local community halls, Diwali events bring together thousands of people each year for music, dance, food, and fireworks. Temples across the state—including the Shree Swaminarayan Temple in Tarneit, the Sri Durga Temple in Rockbank, and the Hindu Society of Victoria in Carrum Downs—hold special services and celebrations. Community organisations host cultural programs, and the annual Diwali at Fed Square has become one of the city’s most anticipated multicultural events.

A Celebration of Community

Beyond the lights and the festivities, Diwali carries a deeper message about community and belonging. It is a time when families come together, when neighbours exchange greetings, and when the bonds of friendship are renewed. For the Indian diaspora in Victoria—one of the fastest-growing communities in the state—Diwali is also an opportunity to share their heritage with the wider public, fostering understanding and connection across cultural boundaries.

The festival’s emphasis on hope and renewal resonates beyond the communities who celebrate it. In a world often marked by division and uncertainty, the image of lamps lit against the darkness speaks to something universal: the human desire for goodness, knowledge, and peace.

Wishing Everyone a Joyful Diwali

As Victorians prepare to celebrate, the message is one of warmth and inclusivity. Whether through the lighting of diyas, the sharing of sweets, the explosion of fireworks, or the simple act of gathering with loved ones, Diwali is a reminder that light—however small—has the power to dispel darkness.

Wishing everyone celebrating a joyful Diwali!

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