Festivals of South Asia Inc last month announced a series of festivals to be held at the Werribee Race Course on 15 and 16 August
After the massive Holi Fest success in March at the Werribee Race Course, Festivals of South Asia Inc (FOSAI) has announced three back-to-back festivals to celebrate Indian culture, art and food. The three festivals will be held at the Werribee Race Course in Wyndham. “Victorians will have a unique experience through our upcoming festivals –India Day, South Asian Food Festival and International Food Festival,” announced Hari Yellina, secretary of FOSAI.
The event will be held to coincide with India’s Independence Day celebrations on 15 August. Festival coordinators are organising flag hoisting and Australia-India friendship parade to mark the occasion. OFBJP will manage and organise Australia India Friendship parade.
Going by the crowd turn out for Holi Fest at the same venue, event organisers are ensuring infrastructure and facilities are state of the art. “It’s important for us to pass on a ritual of democracy to Indians living in Australia. We have all celebrated Indian independence day back in India. We know the experience and joy it brings every year. This experience and joy has to be brought back by recreating such events. I feel it’s our duty to build an event that helps younger generation nurture and understand the relevance of the day. It makes them understand Indian history and gives them a reason to be proud Australian Indians,” added Yellina.
Soon after flag hoisting and the parade, FOSAI will host an Indian food festival, art exhibition including pottery and yoga workshop, cooking classes, camel rides, amusement rides, fashion and jewellery stalls and much more.
“This is the first ever food festival celebrating Indian cuisine in Victoria. We are expecting Victoria’s vibrant hospitality and Indian food sector to embrace this festival and show case our rich culinary traditions,” said Yellina. Parts of Werribee Race Course will be converted into large heated area for the two days with big marquees and food stall areas. “Every person who comes to this festival will have a better understanding of India and its beautiful culture. Our aim is to recreate a mini India for a day,” he added.
OF BJP and Western Gymkhana are community partners to this event. The two-day event will see multiple areas of activities. The first half of August 15 will be focused on parades and flag hoisting. The second half is about entertainment, food and culture. The second day will witness an international food festival. The event will begin at 11 AM both days and go on till 9 PM.
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
