This Saturday, Melbourne will come alive with the sights, sounds, and flavours of Diwali, as the RACV Melbourne Diwali 2024 festival takes over Marvel Stadium. With up to 20,000 visitors expected to attend, the event promises to be a vibrant day of celebration, community connection, and cultural exchange.
RACV Melbourne Diwali CEO, Anna Bhardwaj, emphasised the festival’s role in fostering community ties, describing it as much more than just an annual event. “This festival is a platform that celebrates and promotes the values that define our community,” she said, adding that the focus this year is on deepening connections within Melbourne’s multicultural fabric.
The day will be packed with activities from 1pm to 10pm, featuring everything from live performances and interactive zones to culinary delights. There will be something for everyone, whether you’re a local business looking to connect with the community, a content creator wanting to share the magic, or a family ready to soak in the festivities.
“This year, we’re back bigger and better,” Bhardwaj continued. “We’re inviting all Victorians to join us, not just as spectators but as participants, adding their own unique energy to the celebration.”
The event has expanded to include a range of new features that elevate the experience. The Melbourne Diwali Business Expo will double in size, with exhibitors showcasing a diverse range of products and services, from local artisans to international brands.
For food lovers, a culinary journey through India awaits, with authentic dishes representing the diverse regions of the country, curated by Delaware North. Families will enjoy the festival’s expanded entertainment offerings, including interactive zones, cultural performances, and $20,000 worth of giveaways alongside 3,000 showbags.
Content creators can look forward to a dedicated lounge where they can capture and share the best moments of the festival. This new addition aims to boost engagement and allow attendees to share their experiences with an even wider audience.
One of the festival’s highlights will be the CDS Vic Melbourne Diwali Dance Competition, where local talent will showcase traditional and modern Indian dance styles. This competition brings together performers from across Victoria, adding an extra layer of excitement and cultural celebration to the event.
Mark Geraghty, RACV’s Executive General Manager Membership, shared his enthusiasm for the partnership, noting the importance of the festival in supporting and celebrating Victoria’s Indian community. “We’re thrilled to collaborate with Melbourne Diwali in hosting this dynamic and engaging festival. It’s an honour to be part of an event that celebrates such a rich cultural heritage,” Geraghty remarked.
To kick off the celebrations, an illuminated “Happy Diwali” sign will be displayed on Harbour Esplanade from 23 October, setting the tone for the week’s festivities and providing a perfect photo opportunity for festivalgoers.
With so much on offer, the RACV Melbourne Diwali 2024 festival is set to be the most immersive and engaging edition yet. Whether you’re attending for the performances, the food, or simply the community spirit, this year’s festival promises to be a day to remember.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
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
