More than 10,000 people turned out at Fogarty Park for the Cairns Indian Festival 2025, marking the event’s largest crowd to date and reaffirming its place as one of the region’s most vibrant multicultural gatherings.
Organised by GOPIO Cairns Inc., the festival drew families, artists, and local businesses into a shared space filled with music, colour, and community pride. From early morning until late evening, Fogarty Park became a hub of celebration, offering a packed schedule of live performances, food, and cultural exchange.
The opening ceremony featured an Acknowledgement of Country followed by a lively Dhol Tasha performance, with dignitaries, sponsors, and community leaders joining to welcome the crowd. The day then unfolded into a showcase of talent and tradition, including classical Indian dance, Bollywood and Bhangra routines, live drumming, and soulful music that connected with audiences across generations.
“It’s been our biggest festival yet,” said Subash Chetry, President of GOPIO Cairns Inc. “This shows the strength of Cairns’ multicultural spirit. The festival is more than food, music, and dance—it is about unity in diversity, and we are proud to see the community come together in such a powerful way.”
Crowds gathered at food stalls offering everything from spicy chaats to sweet jalebis. Many took home saris, jewellery, handmade crafts, and souvenirs. Henna artists drew long queues as people lined up for intricate designs. For first-time visitors, the experience offered a taste of India without leaving Queensland.
Throughout the day, community support remained central. The Awards & Recognitions event acknowledged the volunteers, performers, sponsors, and community figures whose contributions made the event possible. There was special appreciation for those working behind the scenes to ensure the festival ran smoothly.
The spirit of giving extended beyond the event itself. Half of all raffle proceeds are being donated to the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation, supporting health services across the region.
As the sun set over Cairns, the park remained full, with children dancing, families sharing meals, and organisers taking stock of a year’s worth of planning brought to life. Chetry offered thanks to everyone involved. “To our volunteers, performers, stall holders, sponsors, dignitaries, and the wider community—thank you. Together, we’ve shown how Cairns can truly experience India in the tropics.”
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