Opera

been held at the Museum of Contemporary Art for the past few years. It is attended largely by Sydney’s Indian community, but this time round, it was wonderful to see others from the mainstream who came by to wish us all a Happy Diwali. The spirit of sharing that marks this festival was indeed experienced in abundance.

The Premier Gladys Berejiklian spoke among other things of the special place the Opera House has in her heart, given her father, a migrant himself, worked as a welder on the second highest sail. She could not have brought home the point better, that migrants contribute wholeheartedly to their new home, and that their contributions are valued, even as they share their own traditions with the rest of the nation.

“By lighting the Opera House, we are sending the message to the world that we come together to celebrate each other’s festivals and traditions,” she said. “It is also a sign of the deep respect we have for the Indian civilisation which is two millennia old, and of our regard for contemporary India.”

The Minister for Multiculturalism Ray Williams, with his own warm comments, showed how well he has become acquainted with Sydney’s Indian community. He referred to the Opera House not just as a significant national icon, but one of the world’s most recognised buildings. “Diwali is an opportunity for us all to learn more about the customs and cultures of our friends, neighbours and work colleagues,” he said.

India’s Consul General, B Vanlalvawna, who will be finishing his tenure shortly, said he was happy to pretend the Opera House lights were a grand farewell organised just for him.

“Sydney’s Indian community, you must surely be the luckiest diaspora community amongst our 30 million diaspora,” he said to much applause. “In my own experience, the support and welcome the government here has given us is unparalleled. Diwali at the Opera House means a lot to us, here as well as at home, and I thank you sincerely. It is a wonderful symbol of gesture of peace, good will and brotherhood.”

For Dr GK Harinath, Chair of Multicultural NSW, this must surely be one of the most special of duties. “Diwali is just as much about inner light, as it is about the lighting up of our physical environments,” he reminded us all.

The MC Khushaal Vyas, who brought in a welcome vibe of youthful exuberance, capably guided the Premier in the lighting of the sails at the appointed hour, counting down with much enthusiasm.

Adding considerably to the Diwali vibe, were the team from BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir led by Darshan Desai. Their Annakut food display, immaculately arranged with characteristic attention to detail, wowed the attendees immediately as they entered and made for a great selfie backdrop. (Very loosely, the Annakut tradition is Hinduism’s version of “For food and health and happy days, receive our gratitude and grace”).

The musicians from Gajanan Cultural Mission provided the perfect musical backdrop for this very special Diwali event.