This Saturday, Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium will be transformed into a hub of colour and celebration as the RACV Melbourne Diwali 2024 festival brings Diwali’s festive spirit to the city. Expected to draw in up to 20,000 attendees, this lively event will showcase a day filled with performances, flavours, and unique ways for the community to connect.
Anna Bhardwaj, CEO of RACV Melbourne Diwali, highlighted the festival’s role as a community anchor. “This festival isn’t just an annual event; it’s a stage that embodies the values and spirit of Melbourne’s diverse communities,” she explained, sharing that this year’s focus will be on creating connections within the multicultural tapestry that makes Melbourne unique.
Running from 1pm to 10pm, the festival will offer everything from live performances and interactive exhibits to food stalls and giveaways, inviting all Victorians to take part. “We’re excited to welcome everyone, not just to watch but to contribute their own energy to the celebration,” Bhardwaj added.
This year’s festivities promise an expanded Melbourne Diwali Business Expo, featuring a broader array of exhibitors. From local artisans to international brands, the expo will showcase a variety of products and services, providing a platform for business and community alike to engage in new ways.
For food enthusiasts, a culinary journey curated by Delaware North awaits, featuring authentic dishes from across India’s diverse regions. Families will find much to enjoy, from interactive zones and cultural performances to a bounty of giveaways, including 3,000 showbags and $20,000 in prizes.
A new feature this year, the dedicated content creator lounge, will give influencers and budding creators a space to capture and share the best moments of Diwali. This lounge aims to boost engagement and spread the festival’s spirit far beyond Melbourne, connecting communities near and far through shared experiences.
Adding to the excitement, the CDS Vic Melbourne Diwali Dance Competition will showcase a vibrant mix of traditional and contemporary Indian dance styles, highlighting local talent from across Victoria and bringing a dynamic energy to the day’s events.
Mark Geraghty, Executive General Manager Membership at RACV, expressed his pride in the partnership. “We’re thrilled to support Melbourne Diwali and to celebrate alongside Victoria’s Indian community. This festival is a wonderful way to honour such a rich cultural heritage,” Geraghty remarked.
To set the tone for the week, an illuminated “Happy Diwali” sign will light up Harbour Esplanade from 23 October, providing a dazzling photo opportunity and inviting the whole city to get into the festive spirit.
Whether it’s the food, performances, or the sense of community that draws you in, the RACV Melbourne Diwali 2024 promises a celebration of Melbourne’s diversity like never before, creating memories and connections that will last well beyond the festivities.
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
