Deepavali Festival of Lights 2012

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Wed 31 Oct 2012 - Sun 04 Nov 2012

Deepavali, the Festival of Lights , is the biggest festival in India and one that is celebrated all over the world, including here in Sydney. The festival falls on the 15th day of the Hindu month of Kartika, which this year means Tuesday November 13. It is also known as Diwali, with both words meaning 'rows of lights'. The Hindu Council of Australia has helped Australia celebrate Deepavali for 13 years. This year, it will be putting on two events in Sydney, one small, and one much larger.

The first event will be held at Martin Place in Sydney's CBD on Wednesday October 31, from 11.30am to 3pm. At Deepavali @ Martin Place there will be free henna, Indian music and dances, along with displays of Indian art, craft and fashion. However, this event is just a taste of things to come; it is designed to promote the Deepavali Fair among those working in the city.

The Deepavali Fair will take place at the Athletic Centre at Sydney Olympic Park on Sunday November 4, beginning at 12pm. The fair is the biggest Indian public event in Sydney and will have food, music, rides, fashion, a puppet show, face painting, palm readers, fortune tellers and lots of freebies. The main attraction is definitely the burning of a 40 foot effigy of the Demon King Ravana, which will be followed by a fireworks display. The entire program should finish between 8pm and 8.30pm.

Dance will be a key element of the Deepavali Fair, with performers from both Australia and around the world, including special cultural performers from India. There will be classical Indian dance, Punjabi Bhangra, Bollywood dance, folk dance, Nepalese dance, South Indian dance and Balinese dance. A Western Union Dance Competition will also run with a First Prize of $1000.

The Deepavali Fair is not just for Hindus but for people from all walks of life. Everyone can appreciate the Deepavali message of 'cultural tolerance, peace and harmony among all'. Over 20,000 people attended the event last year when it was held at Parramatta Stadium in association with Parramasala. The same number is expected this year. Entry costs $7.

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#october
!date 31/10/2012 -- 04/11/2012
%wnsydney