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Wentworthville’s main street set to come alive with lights, entertainment and food as part of Cumberland City Council’s Diwali Festival

Diwali celebrations are set to take over Wentworthville on Saturday 29 October as Cumberland City Council celebrates its diverse subcontinent cultures.
21 Oct 2022 - Events

Diwali celebrations are set to take over Wentworthville on Saturday 29 October as Cumberland City Council celebrates its diverse subcontinent cultures.

Diwali is an ancient festival also known as the ‘festival of lights’. It is one of the most important events that is celebrated by cultures in the subcontinent, symbolising the victory of light over darkness. Thousands around the world decorate their houses and come together to exchange gifts, feast on sweets and share in the joy of traditions and culture.

For one night only, Station Street, located in the heart of Wentworthville will be transformed into a bustling hive of cultural celebrations. The evening will begin with the main stage program featuring the traditional lamp lighting ceremony, tamil drums and dances.

There will be a range of cultural activities, workshops and performances from Cumberland’s diverse community, including learning the art of saree draping and Turban tying.

Dr Kanan Shah from the Nartan Institute of Performing Arts who will be hosting the saree draping workshop said Diwali is a special time for her family to celebrate their culture and traditions.

“It’s very important for me and my family to celebrate Diwali. We try to celebrate it in a way so that my children can stay connected to our Indian culture and heritage,” she said. 

“The saree is very important to the Hindu and Indian culture, there’s spiritual significance and there’s pride in wearing our traditional dresswear. A lot of women wear modern dresses now so many don’t know how to wear a traditional saree.”

Festival goers are encouraged to wander through the main street and explore the street bazaar which will feature a variety of pop-up stalls with women and children’s clothing and accessories, henna and traditional jewellery. They can also discover the Yarn Wrapping Public Art Installation at Friend Park and test their catching and fielding skills at the Sydney Thunder Cricket Activation.

There will be fun and entertainment at the Bollywood Block Party and a range of Indian and South Asian cuisines from restaurants, street food stalls and food trucks will also be on offer.

Cumberland City Mayor Lisa Lake says Diwali is a great opportunity for the community to experience a very important cultural event.

“Diwali is a traditional and significant event for many of our community members. It’s a time for celebration, unity and harmony as hundreds come together to mark this special occasion,” said Mayor Lake

“Over 15 per cent of our population in Cumberland originate from cultures within the subcontinent so this is a very important event for our community to be a part of.”

Cumberland City Council’s Diwali Festival 2022 will be held on Saturday 29 October at Station Street in Wentworthville. To view the event programming or find out more information visit: https://www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/diwali-festival-2022

This event is proudly sponsored by SBS, Wenty Leagues and URM