powerhouse Castle Hill will host Diwali celebrations on Saturday 25 October, bringing together Indian dance, music, food and stories in partnership with the Consulate General of India, Sydney and the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre. The free community event runs from 11am to 3pm and will include performances, tours and hands-on workshops.
Diwali, also called Deepavali, is one of the most important annual festivals for Hindus, Jains and Sikhs, marking the triumph of light over darkness. This year’s program will feature a mix of classical and contemporary Indian dance. The Ruchi Sanghi Dance Company will open with Kathak, while Nisha Mannath & Team will bring folk traditions to the stage. Kalankan Dance Academy and Thrayee will perform Mohiniyattam, Kathak and Bharatnatyam, followed by Bollywood numbers from Groove Dance Academy and Bhangra by Raunakaan Bhangra Group.
For the first time, Powerhouse Collection staff will run guided tours showcasing objects linked to the theme of light. Visitors will encounter pieces as varied as an oil lamp from Ancient Pompei and an anatomical model of the human eye.
Children’s author Sheena Garg will read from her works, including her latest Diwali-themed story, and lead activities in rangoli art and diya making. Indian street food restaurant Chatkazz will serve traditional sweets and savouries throughout the day.
Powerhouse Chief Executive Lisa Havilah said, “We are thrilled to partner with Consulate General of India, Sydney and the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre to celebrate Diwali for a second year. Powerhouse Castle Hill will transform for the festival of lights, with a vibrant lineup of Indian talent and objects from the Powerhouse Collection.”
Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre Director Niyati Mehta added, “The Consulate General of India, Sydney and the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre are delighted to partner with Powerhouse again this year for Diwali at Powerhouse Castle Hill. We welcome you to join us in celebrating Diwali with your family and friends for a wonderful day of Indian culture.”
Program
- Opening and Welcome 11am
Introduction from Powerhouse, Consulate General of India, Sydney and Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre. - Ruchi Sanghi Dance Company 11.30am
Performing Kathak dance. - Nisha Mannath & Team 12pm
Performing Folk dances from India. - Kalankan Dance Academy 12.30pm
Performing Bharatnatyam in Rabindra Nritya style. - Groove Dance Academy 1.30pm
Performing Bollywood dance with an invitation to join. - Thrayee 2pm
Performing a fusion of three dance forms: Mohiniyattam, Kathak and Bharatnatyam. - Raunakaan Bhangra Group 2.30pm
Performing Bhangra music and dance. - Children’s storytelling and activity 11.30am, 12.30pm and 2pm
Hear stories and make your own Rangoli artwork and paper diyas with celebrated children’s author Sheena Garg. - Collection Tours: Light and Electricity 11.30am, 12.30pm and 1.30pm
Join a Powerhouse curator on a tour that highlights objects from the Powerhouse Collection related to light. Recommended for adults and children over 5 years of age. Book - Café and Chatkazz Food Table 11am–3pm
Serving traditional Indian sweets and savories.
Registrations are required to attend. The full program is available at: http://bit.ly/4mcdyFE.
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