For the first time ever, Cumberland will light up for a massive Diwali Street Festival held over two jam-packed days.
Cumberland City Council is bringing the Festival of Lights to Station Street, Wentworthville on Saturday 1 November from 5pm – 10pm and Sunday 2 November from 1pm – 8pm.
Diwali symbolises the victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. It is one of the major festivals celebrated by many communities including Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists.
Translating to “row of lights” in Sanskrit, Diwali marks the start of Hindu New Year with five-day celebrations and is the most widely celebrated festival among people from the Indian subcontinent, who make up 15 per cent of Cumberland’s population.
Cumberland Mayor Ola Hamed expressed her delight about the expansion of the festival and highlighted the importance of embracing the value of togetherness through Diwali.
“Culture and inclusivity are at the heart of Cumberland, and it makes me proud to see our community come together to embrace this. Diwali is a celebration of compassion and togetherness, the same values that make our community strong,” she said.
“We invite the whole Cumberland community to come along and celebrate over two huge days the rich cultural diversity that makes our home so special.”
Festival attendees will enjoy a variety of entertainment, including a main stage that will bring together the best of local talent and cultural heritage with traditional dance performances, live music, fusion acts, and cultural showcases.
Along with a lamp lighting ceremony symbolising the triumph of light over darkness, the streets will be lined with local food businesses celebrating diverse cultural flavours, as well as a vibrant street bazaar with retail stalls offering unique products, crafts, and activities.
From a colourful Bollywood Car Photobooth to the buzzing Bollywood Block Party in Friend Park, there will also be plenty of chances to celebrate classical Bollywood culture.
Cumberland City Council has celebrated Diwali since 2017, but this is the first time the council will host the festival over two-consecutive days.
To accommodate the festivities, there will be road closures in place on Station Street, between McKern Street, Pritchard Street East and Dunmore Street, from 7am on Saturday 1 November 2025 until 2am on Monday 3 November 2025. Rick Street Carpark will also be closed.
This event is proudly sponsored by Wenty Leagues, RIA Financial Services and Merrylands RSL Club.
Proudly funded by the NSW Government in association with Cumberland City Council.
For more information, visit www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/diwali
