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The ultimate guide to the RACV Melbourne Diwali 2024 festival
Immerse yourself in the culture of India. RACV Melbourne Diwali 2024, will take place on 26 October 2024 at Marvel Stadium Square from 1pm to 10pm.
Melbourne Diwali draws thousands of people each year to experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of India, right in the heart of the city. Featuring cultural performances, interactive exhibits, and culinary delights, RACV is proud to be partnering with Melbourne Diwali for the RACV Melbourne Diwali 2024 festival, which promises to be a great free event for the whole family.
RACV Melbourne Diwali CEO Anna Bhardwaj said the festival played a huge role in fostering community connections and was more than just a festival.
“RACV Melbourne Diwali 2024 is a community platform that celebrates and promotes the values that define our community,” Ms Bhardwaj said.
"Our vision this year is to foster an even deeper sense of connection within our multicultural community. Melbourne thrives on diversity, and Diwali is the perfect symbol of the vibrant, interconnected lives we lead.”
Everything you need to know about RACV Melbourne Diwali 2024
What is Diwali?
Diwali, one of the major Indian religious festivals, is the most vibrant and colourful traditional celebration of Indian culture, and a key event on Melbourne’s social calendar.
Diwali is well known as the Festival of Lights and many lanterns are lit as part of the celebrations to signify the victory of light over darkness, and good triumphing over evil. Diwali also marks the start of the Hindu New Year and lasts for five days.
The official date of Diwali is 1 November 2024.
Diwali is a major Indian festival, also known as the Festival of Lights. Images: Supplied
How is Diwali celebrated?
In a multicultural country like India, everyone has their own way of celebrating the Diwali festival. Some families dress in their finest clothes and exchange gifts, some cook incredible feasts and some light up their homes with traditional clay oil lamps (called saaki).
Pradeep Tiwari has been an organiser of Indian cultural festivals in Melbourne for over a decade. He says that Diwali is the biggest festival in India for all the religious groups. “It's so important to the Indian community in Melbourne because the festival gives people a chance to celebrate away from their country of origin, and also gives them a strong sense of belonging to their new community.”
Tiwari also says that the Diwali festival shows other members of the Victorian community that Indian festivals welcome everyone to celebrate the concept of lightness and party together.
Kids will love the RACV Melbourne Diwali 2024 festival line-up
What is there to do at the RACV Melbourne Diwali 2024 festival?
The free RACV Melbourne Diwali 2024 event is expected to be one of the city’s largest celebrations of the Indian festival of lights, drawing thousands of people to experience the glamour, music, and delicious cuisine of India at Marvel Stadium Square.
RACV Melbourne Diwali CEO Anna Bhardwaj said the festival played a huge role in fostering community connections and was more than just a festival.
“RACV Melbourne Diwali 2024 is a community platform that celebrates and promotes the values that define our community,” Ms Bhardwaj said.
"Our vision this year is to foster an even deeper sense of connection within our multicultural community. Melbourne thrives on diversity, and Diwali is the perfect symbol of the vibrant, interconnected lives we lead.”
This year's festival will feature interactive zones, giveaways, cultural performances, and lots of fun activities for families to enjoy throughout the day. Get your hands painted with henna or join in the dance party and get the DJ to play your favourite tunes. If you like dancing, don’t miss the annual CDS Victoria Melbourne Diwali Dance Competition. Gifts, jewellery and more will be available at market stalls and there will be performance areas showcasing diverse Indian dance styles and providing a platform for local talent.
Take a food journey through India
Those who come to celebrate RACV Melbourne Diwali will also be able to embark on a culinary journey through India, with food served by catering group Delaware North. Diwali is known to some as the festival of sweets because sweets symbolise happiness and prosperity, so keep an eye out for pistachio barfi, gulab jamun syrup dumplings, cardamon biscuits and semolina halwa pudding. Other Indian delicacies will be available, offering the Indian community the taste of home.
More: Guide to the most popular Indian curries
How do I get to RACV Melbourne Diwali 2024?
RACV Melbourne Diwali 2024 will take place on 26 October 2024 at Marvel Stadium Square from 1pm to 10pm.
Marvel Stadium is well serviced by public transport, including trains and trams. To get to this event, take a train to Southern Cross Station then walk across the Bourke Street pedestrian bridge to the stadium. You can also use a journey planner to plan the most efficient route to this event, including finding parking nearby.
Marvel Stadium is close to other family-friendly activities in Melbourne's CBD for a fun day out, including SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, Melbourne Skydeck and MONOPOLY DREAMS Melbourne.
More: The best free things to do in Melbourne
Don't miss the plethora of cultural performances at this year's RACV Melbourne Diwali event
What other Diwali events are there in Melbourne in 2024?
On 23 October, another Diwali community event is being held in Melbourne. Australia’s largest ‘Happy Diwali’ illuminated sign will be unveiled on Harbour Esplanade in Docklands, celebrating the festival of lights in grand style.
This stunning installation, supported by the City of Melbourne, will serve as a symbol of cultural pride and community unity, lighting up Melbourne in anticipation of the main event.
