Little India Deepavali Fair 2017 at Harris Park

By Manju Mittal

The Council of India Australians Inc. (CIA) hosted a successful Deepawali fair first time at Sydney’s little India Harris Park on Saturday October 7, 2017. Harris Park has been called the ”˜Little India’ in Sydney and also of Australia. A large number of people came together to celebrate one of the most vibrant and largest festival of India. The open air atmosphere and bright sunny day was perfect for Sydneysiders to enjoy Diwali as weather co-operated to make the event perfect.

Among the guests were present  Minister Alex Hawke, Assistant Minister of Immigration,   Dr.Geoff Lee, MP for Parramatta, Julie Owens MP parramatta, Consul General of India Sydney the Hon B.Vanlalvawna, Ms. Jodi Mckay MP, Ms. Julia Finn MP, MLC David Clark and many other dignitaries and important personnel from the Government, Media, Indian Consulate General and community. It was a remarkable and vibrant event, with inspiring speeches.

Parramatta MP Dr. Geoff Lee said, “It is nice to be here and share Diwali celebrations first time in Harris Park with members of the Indian community”. Hon. Jodi Mckay and Julia Finn praised the festival as a multicultural joyous occasion. Consul General of India, Mr.Vanlavawana congratulated the organisers and praised Indian community and its contributions. Mr. Mohit Kumar, President of CIA acknowledged the gathering and thanked the guests also appreciated the role of volunteers and members of CIA.

Event director and Secretary of CIA, Sanjay Deshwal said, “I am delighted to offer my greetings to everyone attending the Diwali fair in our own little India Harris Park. It had been my dream for this kind of Deepawali from many years”.

The day was filled with spectacular cultural programs, fashion parade, Rides, Lakshmi Puja with Maha Aarti and delicious Indian food from various regions and an atmosphere that just magical. The entertainment segment involved performers and art forms from every part of India including classical, traditional folk and Bollywood performances.

Diwali, the festival of lights is perhaps the one festival that elicits the most mixed emotions. It was perfect Indo-Aussie style of Diwali being one of the biggest Hindu festivals celebrated in Australia. Diwali is truly an Indian festival and a social affair an occasion to reconnect the local Indian community full of fun, food and entertainment. Deepawali fair in Harris Park was celebrated with much excitement as it is the true Indian joint to celebrate this great festival, thanks to CIA, the organiser.

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