City of Parramatta sparkles for Diwali festivities

Sparkling light displays will illuminate the City of Parramatta to mark this year’s Diwali, with a program that’s a feast for the senses, celebrating the sounds, colours and flavours of South Asia.

Shimmering lights will brighten the streets of Harris Park and the Parramatta River foreshore from dusk, alongside Diwali celebrations in Centenary Square and Prince Alfred Square from Friday 14 October.

City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Donna Davis said the region is home to one of the largest population of Indian and South Asian people in Australia, with more than 29,000 residents identifying India as their country of birth in the 2021 Census.

“Diwali is a time to come together to reflect on, and celebrate, our unique diversity and the rich heritage of our Indian Australian communities,” Cr Davis said. 

“We are proud of our vibrant, multicultural population and thank our Sikh, Hindu and Jain friends for your contribution to our unique City. I wish everyone a Happy Diwali and encourage our communities of all backgrounds to come together to enjoy our brilliant, bright Diwali celebrations with family and friends.”

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is a festival of lights and one of the major festivals celebrated by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs. Diwali takes place annually and marks the start of the Hindu New Year.

Centenary Square will become a cultural extravaganza of colour, sound and delicious Indian cuisine on Friday October 14. Tasty biryanis, samosas and mango lassis will be on offer from food stalls at the free event from 5pm until late. Traditional and modern Indian entertainment includes live music, hip hop, dance and Bollywood DJs. 

Prince Alfred Square will host a two-day Deepavali Festival on October 15 and 16, with a free community event presented by the Hindu Council of Australia, featuring children’s carnival rides, food, dance entertainment and fireworks. 

The Little India Fair, presented by the Council of Indian Australians and the Harris Park Little Indian Business Association, will light up Wigram Street, Harris Park on October 30 from noon until late, with music, dance and stallholders selling Indian cuisines.

Locals and visitors are also invited to take an evening stroll and enjoy the rows of flags and stunning lighting installations along the Parramatta River Foreshore and Wigram Street in Harris Park. 

The City of Parramatta’s 2022 Diwali celebrations have been supported by the NSW Government.

For more information, visit AT Parramatta