Indian community lighting up Brisbane

Brisbane residents can join the Indian community to celebrate the annual Diwali Festival, also known as the Festival of Lights, at a range of occasions beginning next Friday at King George Square.

Diwali is one of the largest Hindu festivals and is traditionally celebrated by lighting candles and exchanging gifts. 

Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Multicultural Affairs Glen Elmes encouraged Brisbane residents and visitors to enjoy the biggest and brightest of all Hindu festivals by visiting the event.

“The Diwali Festival is an extravaganza of Indian culture that is a ‘must do’ on the Brisbane cultural calendar,” Mr Elmes said.

“Festivals like this across Queensland play an important role in developing the state’s cultural maturity and reinforcing the importance and the benefits of a diversified community.

“While they are usually entertaining in anyone’s language, the many entertainment and displays at these festivals raise awareness among the wider community that different cultures celebrate and commemorate in different ways.

“There are also ample opportunities for festival visitors to become educated about the history, culture and cuisine of countries they might never have the opportunity to visit in person.

“Perhaps, most importantly, cultural festivals promote understanding of other cultures and through understanding comes greater community harmony and acceptance.”

The Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland is hosting this important cultural celebration, and the event is supported by the Queensland Government with $6,000 funding from the Valuing Diversity Grants Program.

Diwali Festival is a free, family friendly event which includes Indian food, culture and entertainment including Bollywood.

If you can’t make it to King George Square on 25 October, there will be other Festival of Light celebrations throughout Brisbane and Queensland:

[ENDS] 17 October 2013

Media Contact:          Peter McCarthy 0408 835 548