Happy Diwali

were the domain of the ‘uncles and aunties’ alone, now they are buzzing with youngsters not shy of bringing out their best traditional attire, ready to celebrate their cultural heritage.

Many of these are youthful New ustralians ho ha e high a liation and connection with the country of their birth India, and express this in many more ways than the old guard did.

On the other side of the spectrum ie the mainstream, there is similar change and increasing inclusivity, such as a broader awareness about Diwali for instance.

Kudos for this can be shared by many, not in the least our state governments who have facilitated these celebrations on the mainstage, such as NSW’s lighting up of the Sydney Opera House or Victoria’s mega Diwali at Fed Square. For the first time this year, the 550th birthday anniversary of Sikh faith founder Guru Nanak Dev Ji will be marked across Melbourne thanks to a Victorian Government initiative, in which major monuments will be lit up on 12 November in the faith s saffron colour including olte ridge the rts entre el ourne Museum and AAMI Stadium. (This comes on top of a $200,000 grant to the Sikh community to organise a range of events throughout October and November this year). redit also must e gi en to the many community organisations who year after year ut in much effort towards their melas and big events, oftentimes their enthusiasm and zeal outweighing the resources at hand to ull these off. These large scale e ents have now begun to attract mainstream Australians, some who may just be passing through, others who may have heard about a fun day out and made an effort to e there. s al ays at Diwali, we’re putting the idea out to bring an Australian friend along to your favourite Diwali event, or have the family next door join you for your family’s Diwali celebrations.

In another welcome trend, Diwali is gradually making an appearance at work too, thanks to the extended reach of the working Indian Australian across various services and corporates.

It’s a heartening experience seeing such acceptance of diversity. With acceptance comes understanding, and with understanding, respect. With the Indian Australian community growing at an estimated 3 to 5% a year, this can only help make settlement in the new country a lot easier for new migrants, students and sojourning professionals.