Diwali is the Festival of Lights which coincides with the Hindu New Year and is a time to celebrate new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil. Diwali is one of the most significant celebrations in India and millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains celebrate Diwali each year.

The word Diwali means ‘rows of lighted lamps’ and lamps are lit to help Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, to help find her way into people’s homes. For the festival of lights people spring clean and decorate their home with fancy lighting, wear new clothes and exchange gifts and prepare festive meals to enjoy with friends and family.

Diwali goes over five days in the following order:

Dhanteras – Start of Diwali and a day dedicated to cleaning to Welcome Goddess Lakshmi. To celebrate Dhanteras, people traditionally buy gold and new kitchen utensils.

Naraka Chaturdasi/Choti Diwali – Known as ‘Little Diwali’. Coloured artwork ‘Rangoli’ is created in doorways and courtyard of homes along with the opening of fire crackers.

Diwali – Placement of lights and lamps across households

This year we have partnered with the Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland Inc. to bring you our Diwali celebrations!

What’s happening at Garden City?
November 7–9 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm: Free Henna daily outside Myer on level 1
November 8–9 from 5:30–7:30 pm free Bollywood entertainment (throughout centre and Town Square)
Thursday November 8 – Free fireworks show in Town Square at 7:15 pm

For more information and times for the event please visit Westfield Garden City.