Fun and frolic at Diwali mela

The Grand Final nostalgia may be over, but there were fireworks at Footscray’s Whitten Oval, home to the Western Bulldogs Football Club on October 3. Diwali, the Festival of Light was celebrated amidst bangs and whistles, as Victorians from all backgrounds joined together in a celebration of food, music and dance.

Diwali in the West”, organized by the Hon. Marsha Thomson, Member for Footscray, was a free event open to the whole community, and offered people the chance to experience the sounds, tastes and colours that are synonymous with Bollywood. Acting Premier Rob Hulls and Member for Footscray Marsha Thompson were among thousands to join in the celebrations. People from diverse backgrounds, ethnicity and cultures came along with their family and friends to experience and participate in the day long event. The main attractions were: a Cricket Victoria sponsored match with Merv Hughes as the host, Bollywood songs and dances, full desi band orchestra, traditional Indian dance demonstrations, a fashion parade featuring the current Miss India Australia Bollywood, Miss Rima Das and Bollywood Talent Melbourne 2009 talent quest. Activities like sari tying demonstrations, henna painting and Indian fashion and merchandise available to purchase, sampling of traditional Indian savouries and snacks, Indian food and traditional Diwali sweets, were all enjoyed. An entertainment segment was hosted by award-winning actor and comedian William McInnes and talented filmmaker of Indian heritage Kylie Boltin, who were also MCs for the day. The fireworks display at sunset was breathtaking, with ‘Happy Diwali 2009’ in bright colours lighting up the darkening Victorian sky.

The event was one big mela (fair)”. The variety of activities ensured that there was something for everyone, as the active participants danced to box office hits and engaged with the performers. The more passive ones browsed through different stalls to purchase their piece of Diwali memorabilia or taste traditional sweets and savouries in keeping with the festive mood.

Melbourne lived up to it’s “four seasons in a day” reputation as the day started out well with sunshine and blue skies, followed by a mild and crisp afternoon and a windy and cool evening. But that cannot be said for the energy and spirit of the crowd, it was exactly the opposite. As the crowd starting building up by late afternoon and evening, the Oval pulsated with the sounds of Bhangra beats. The gyrating and energetic dance movements to Bollywood tunes, the fragrance of the garam masala in piping hot chole simmering in food stalls, the vibrancy and colour of traditional Indian clothes added to the atmosphere.

Namrata Sharma from Hoppers Crossing attended the show with family and friends. “This is one of the best Saturdays I have had. I can see people in traditional clothes around enjoying as much as we are, the variety in food and merchandise is great and I am happy that there are Australian guests as well. It’s nice to see that they are enjoying Indian culture as much as we assimilate and participate in the appreciation of theirs,” she said.

Vihang Nikalje from The Shiamak Davar’s Institute for the Performing Arts (SDIPA) said, “This is very different to the performances we have done in the past. This event has been a platform for us to share some part of our heritage and values with our fellow-Victorians. The audience has been enthusiastic and our students, both children and adults, did a wonderful job and we are proud of them.”

Diwali in the West has made a great beginning. Said Acting Premier Rob Hulls, “Diwali festival is a wonderful example of how Victorian communities share traditions, cultures and friendships to make the State a vibrant multicultural society.” He added, “At a time when Indian students are feeling threatened by anti-social elements in Australian society, this event is a strong example of how celebrations and festivals work to break down barriers, promote cultural harmony, and contribute to the life and expression of our multicultural community.”

I sincerely hope that goddess Laxmi will bless all of us with wealth and prosperity, and that good will triumph over evil, and light over darkness throughout our lives –Happy Diwali!

Pinky Bhatia