SBS is celebrating this year’s Festivals of Lights with an expanded cross-network lineup, bringing Diwali, Deepavali, Bandi Chhor Diwas, and Tihar to Australians in bigger and brighter ways. From now until November, viewers can immerse themselves in a unique selection of movies, documentaries, podcasts, and recipes that reflect the joy and unity of the season. With over a billion people globally celebrating these festivals, SBS aims to make sure more than one million Australians of South Asian heritage feel connected and represented during these vibrant times.
James Taylor, Managing Director of SBS, expressed pride in how the network is showcasing these celebrations. “We’re thrilled to share the rich cultural tapestry of the Festivals of Lights, allowing Australians to engage with the diverse and joyous festivities,” he said.
SBS On Demand and SBS World Movies are highlighting these festivals with dedicated collections, including dramas and Bollywood favourites. Audiences can dive into Four Years Later, a romantic drama centred on an Indian couple navigating a long-distance relationship after moving to Australia, and the celebrated documentary Brand Bollywood Downunder, featuring some of Bollywood’s biggest names. Expect laughter too with Meet the Patels, a comedy that brings a light-hearted look at traditional matchmaking.
The movie marathon doesn’t stop there. On 1 November, SBS World Movies will offer a full evening of feel-good films, starting with Bride and Prejudice, a modern retelling of the classic Jane Austen tale, starring Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. From family dramas to visual masterpieces, the line-up promises something for everyone, including the critically acclaimed Last Film Show and India Sweets and Spices, a dramedy about a college student shaking up her family’s ordered life.
For food lovers, SBS Food has plenty on the menu. David Rocco’s Dolce India returns, and audiences can enjoy culinary explorations in The Wandering Chef, where Chef Ranveer Brar searches for forgotten recipes in India’s lesser-known regions. Luke Nguyen’s India brings a Southern Indian twist, providing viewers with cooking tips alongside his culinary adventures. Meanwhile, The Modern Desi, a popular food influencer, will be showcasing traditional Diwali recipes in a special social media series.
SBS Audio is also getting into the festive spirit with new podcasts like My Regional Diwali, where listeners can hear how Australians in regional areas celebrate the festival. Cricket star Lisa Sthalekar and Bollywood actor Pallavi Sharda will feature in a new season of the My Diwali podcast, giving personal insights into their festival traditions. Culinary expert Sandeep Pandit offers a healthier take on Diwali by sharing sugar-free sweet recipes, adding a modern twist to traditional festivities.
SBS’s cultural diversity is evident in its language offerings. Its new destination channel, SBS South Asian, will provide festival coverage in nine languages, including Bangla, Hindi, and Tamil. Alongside cultural explainers and community news, the channel will give South Asian Australians access to community festival guides and competitions.
Young South Asian Australians will find their space with SBS Spice, a digital channel aimed at Gen Z. The new series Chosen Family looks at how those celebrating away from home—students, interracial couples, and queer communities—are creating their own unique festival traditions. The series provides a touching insight into how the younger generation balances heritage with personal identity in Australia.
For educators, SBS Learn is making sure the Festivals of Lights have a place in classrooms. With resources for both primary and secondary students, activities include making paper diyas and traditional South Asian sweets like barfi. These lessons aim to build a better understanding of the cultural significance behind these celebrations while engaging students with hands-on projects.
SBS’s celebrations won’t just be confined to screens. They’re partnering with over 20 community celebrations across the country, reaching even the remotest regions. Local councils and associations will host Diwali festivities in regional areas like Alice Springs, Mildura, and Queanbeyan. It’s a nationwide embrace of the spirit and excitement of the Festivals of Lights.
As the festive season kicks off, SBS’s expansive offering promises something for everyone, ensuring that these cultural celebrations feel close to home, whether you’re tuning in from a bustling city or a quiet regional town.
Expect the lights, colours, and sounds of the Festivals of Lights to shine brighter than ever, all thanks to SBS’s thoughtful curation.
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