Celebrating Deepavali on the Swan

By Jessica Watson

 Swan Festival of Lights has once again come to Perth’s foreshore exploding with culture, flavours and excellent performances.

This year it commemorates the Indian Festival of Deepavali which represents the universal theme of light triumphing darkness.

More than 30,000 people are expected to attend the 7^th Swan Festival of Lights this year.

“It is a moment of great joy and enthusiasm to celebrate the Swan Festival of Light commemorating this ancient festival of Deepavali, a festival that has 5000 years of history, a festival offering a great message of peace, joy, hope and also the importance of inner light in human beings,” says Mr Mandarapu Subbarayudu, the Consul General of India.

“The festival crosses the boundaries of faith, cultures, religious backgrounds and languages. The festival combines the two cultures of the two countries Australia and India in a marvellous way,” says Mr Subbarayudu.

At the festival you will see collaborative work between Indigenous and Indian dancers and musical fusion between Indian and western classical musicians.

World-renowned composer and violin maestro Dr Subramaniam fuses traditional Indian with western style to highlight how migrants and their descendants merge their own culture with Western Australia.

“Deepavali is India’s largest esteemed festival celebrated by Indians everywhere across the globe. Tt is a celebration of the inner light that resides in all,” says Mr Somun Balasubramaniam from the Temple of Fine Arts.

“It’s a great contribution to Western Australia and it’s an extremely enjoyable evening,” says Mr Mike Nahan, Western Australia’s Treasurer.

The festival is a family-friendly event with delicious vegetarian cuisine served up from Annalakshmi on the Swan.

The festival runs from October 22 – 26, at Langley Park, from 4:30pm.

Checkout a gallery from the event below: