The community is encouraged to come together on November 9 for a night filled with light, culture and joy, as Cumberland City Council hosts its annual Diwali Festival.
The most widely celebrated festival among people from the Indian subcontinent and observed by communities around the world, Cumberland residents will get the chance to mark the celebration as a community next week.
Held on Station Street, Wentworthville, from 5-10pm, the event will feature cultural performances from local artists and traditional dances that showcase the richness of diverse Indian culture.
Visitors can also expect to see a lamp lighting ceremony symbolising the triumph of light over darkness, delicious cultural food, a street bazaar with retail stalls offering unique products and crafts, and a Bollywood Car Photobooth.
Cumberland Mayor Ola Hamed expressed her excitement about the festival and the importance of recognising and celebrating the rich and culturally diverse community of Cumberland.
“As we come together for the Diwali Festival, we invite Cumberland Community in its entirety to celebrate in the cultural diversity that makes Cumberland so special,” she said.
“I am proud to see our community unite in joy and harmony, embracing the values of compassion, love, and togetherness that Diwali represents.”
The event is funded by the NSW Government, in association with Cumberland City Council.
NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper also encourages people from the wider Cumberland community to join the celebrations of Diwali.
“Cumberland City Council is one of the most diverse local government areas in Australia and celebrating festivals like Diwali provide a fantastic opportunity to bring locals from all backgrounds and cultures together,” he said.
“The festival of Diwali reminds us of the power of hope, unity, and new beginnings and I encourage everyone to join the vibrant celebrations in Wentworthville.”
To accommodate the festivities, there will be road closures from 7am on Saturday, November 9, until 1am on Sunday, November 10, with traffic closures between Pritchard Street and McKern Street. Public transport is encouraged.
For more information, visit http://www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/diwali.
Ellie Busby is a news reporter for Western Sydney Publishing Group. A graduate of the University of Hertfordshire and Western Sydney University, she is a journalism Major. Ellie has worked with Universal Media, The Cova Project and for a range of other organisations. In 2024, Ellie was named Young Writer of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.