Diverse dhamakas at Diwali mela
All the colour, fun, food and excitement of Sydney’s largest Indian cultural festival came alive once again this year at the Parramatta Stadium on November 7. The 20th Diwali Mela was a fun-filled day of activities for the Indian community, most of who had spent Diwali day on November 5 at work or school. Over 5000 people attended the mela, ranging from sub-continent origin visitors to local Aussies.
It was a family day out for Neelima, Ashish and their eight-year old son, Rohan.
“Since November 5 was a working day for us, there wasn’t much of a celebration except for the Lakshmi puja at home that evening. However, the mela on the weekend compensated for all the celebrations we missed,” said Ashish.
Highlighting the cultural aspect of such events, Neelima said, “Having been brought up in a foreign country, children are somewhat disconnected from their culture or origin. These annual melas are a great way to introduce them to this aspect through entertainment which incorporates the Diwali story and its symbolism, as well as the added features of food, dance, traditional clothing and celebrations.”
The day-long mela is one of the largest of its kind in Australia, and has something for everyone. Bollywood song and dance mingled with the traditional; food stalls displayed culinary delights from different parts of India; a bazaar-like atmosphere was created through clothing, jewellery and homeware stalls and even henna painting was a hit.
Flaunting henna-painted hands, Monica from Turkey was excited to be at the festival with her Indian friends. “I simply love Indian dresses and jewellery. The food is quite different and dances are just amazing to watch,” she said.
The Indian Dance competition, sponsored by Western Union was the main event, with various Indian dance school teams in Sydney competing for the big prize. Judges Mitu Bhowmick and Roy Lange from Mind Blowing Films and Western Union Marketing Manager Monica Khanna unanimously crowned the Ministry of Bhangra as the winner, while Lotus School of Dance bagged the second prize for performing Shankar Mahadevan’s song Breathless. Indian Dance School’s entertaining rendition of Aa re megha won them the third prize. However, all participants received gifts of DVDs, CD and movie tickets for their performances.
The mela also featured a visiting dance and music group from Rajasthan and a raffle draw.
Hosted by Hindu Council of Australia, the mela had an added dimension to it this year as it was an integral part of Parramasala – the Australian Festival of South Asian Arts. It was supported by the NSW Government, Westpac, Western Union, Parramatta Council and Stadium, Gujarat NRE and Hello Mobile, among other sponsors.
Present among the guests were NSW Premier Kristina Keneally, Consul General of India in Sydney Amit Dasgupta, MP Laurie Ferguson and NSW Opposition Leader Barry O’Farrell. Speaking about the festival, Hindu Council of Australia Chairperson Professor Nihal Agar said, “By holding this important festival, we hope to focus in unity, strength and success. This mela is a celebration of cultural diversity and inclusiveness in a multicultural Australia.” Professor Agar also took the opportunity to propose a Hindu Cultural and Educational Centre in Australia.
Offering her best wishes to the Indian community on Diwali, NSW Premier Kristina Keneally said, “Parramatta is the heart of Sydney, and the Parramasala festival is a new beginning for us. Diwali is not just a festival of lights but also a celebration of joy, excitement and a diverse society. So much has changed for India and Australia yet so much remains the same, cultural diversity being one. We move together in this spirit of friendship.”
“The Hindu Council is doing a commendable job in preserving their culture and religion and at the same time, engaging with Australia,” said Laurie Fergusion, while wishing all a happy Diwali.
“It is a pleasure to be a part of this grand celebration of Diwali,” said Amit Dasgupta. “I express my gratitude to the NSW Premier Kristina Keneally, David Borger, MP and the Lord Mayor of Parramatta who put together this outstanding program of Parramasala”.
“During this festival of lights we celebrate the triumph of good over evil. May this cleansing of darkness spread across NSW and the rest of Australia, and strengthen our friendship,” he added.
“Deepavali is important for the Indian community in Australia. On this occasion when we celebrate the victory of good over evil, it’s time for all Australians to reconnect,” said Barry O’Farrell.
Diwali mela and no fireworks, yeh to ho hi nahi sakta! The mela culminated with an amazing fireworks display and burning of the giant Raavan effigy which was, for the first time, made in Australia.
Mamta Sharma
