Powerhouse Castle Hill is set to glow with the colours and sounds of Diwali, marking the first celebration of the Festival of Lights at the venue. In collaboration with the Consulate General of India in Sydney and the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, a free program of performances, workshops, and storytelling will take place on Saturday, 26 October.
A culturally rich day, Diwali, celebrated by the Hindu, Sikh, and Jain communities, symbolises triumph—light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. Visitors of all ages will be treated to an exciting lineup of activities that bring these themes to life through dance, music, art, and stories.
Kicking off the festivities will be a range of cultural performances, from Bollywood-inspired routines by Nrityam Sydney Dance Studio to the classical Indian dance form Odissi, performed by Kiyara Dance Academy. For a deeper cultural experience, curator-led tours will showcase Indian textiles from the Powerhouse Collection, offering insights into India’s rich heritage of fabric artistry.
Visitors can also join renowned author Susanne Gervay OAM for live readings of Diwali stories, capturing the essence of this ancient festival. And for those who want to get creative, a rangoli workshop with Sandhya Srinivasan will give participants the chance to make traditional artworks using coloured powders—a practice that brings positivity and liveliness to homes during Diwali.
Lisa Havilah, Chief Executive of Powerhouse, expressed excitement about the collaboration: “Partnering with the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre to celebrate Diwali at Powerhouse Castle Hill for the first time is a special moment for us.”
Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre Director, Niyati Mehta, shared the sentiment, inviting the community to join the celebrations: “We are delighted to partner with Powerhouse to mark Diwali, the festival of lights. This is a joyful occasion to celebrate through India’s vibrant art, music, and dance.”
Whether you are drawn to the vibrant performances or curious about traditional Indian arts, Powerhouse Castle Hill offers something for everyone to enjoy on this festive day. With a blend of culture and creativity, the celebration promises a lively and memorable experience.
Event Highlights:
Karpahavalli Music Academy: A taste of Indian Carnatic music (11:30am–12pm).
Nrityam Sydney Dance Studio: Bollywood-inspired dance (12:30–1pm).
Kalashree Dance Institute: Performing the traditional Koli Dance from Maharashtra (1:30–2pm).
Kiyara Dance Academy: Classical Odissi dance performance (2:30–3pm).
Rangoli Workshop: Create colourful rangoli artwork (11–11:45am and 1–1:45pm).
Storytelling: Diwali stories by Susanne Gervay OAM (12pm and 2pm).
Textile Tours: Explore Indian textiles with curator-led tours (11am, 12:15am, 2pm, and 3:15pm).
A day not to be missed, this is an open invitation to experience the joy, light, and cultural richness that Diwali brings.
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