It’s that time of year again when Wangaratta anticipates the arrival of the radiant and rich celebration of light, Diwali.

For its fourth consecutive year, the North East Multicultural Association (NEMA) will be holding Diwali celebrations at the Victory Community Church Hall on Saturday, 25 October, from 5pm to 9pm.

Diwali is a significant holiday for several religious groups across South Asia, but it’s observed globally.

At its core, Diwali celebrates the triumph of light over darkness – a concept which transcends religion and can be appreciated no matter your background or affiliation.

NEMA’s manager for community engagement and programs, Faryal Nawaz Khan, believes bringing cultural events to our region is a positive force toward building a stronger, respectful and more cohesive community.

“I think it’s really important to understand each other’s traditional values and cultural backgrounds,” she said.

“It’s about celebrating together, learning from one another, and appreciating the diversity that enriches our region.

“The night will be packed with dance, music, and cultural expression, showcasing the richness and beauty of Indian traditions and those of other Asian communities.”

Celebrating Diwali and, more broadly, multiculturalism, is especially important with recent anti-immigration rallies in Australia illustrating a national social divide.

"It's created a lot of distress in multicultural communities specifically - the fear is there," Ms Khan said.

“Such events are about connecting and building more respectful relationships.”

As with the last three events, there will be plenty of activities to partake and free entertainment to enjoy for all ages; including henna, face paint, jumping castle, complimentary sweets, event photography, performances from The Naach Box (Melbourne), The Giddha Group (Shepparton), Rakesh Gaddangunti performance, young talent from Wangaratta, and live music from Melbourne’s DJ Francis.

There will also be market stalls and a food truck, offering plenty of options for shopping and enjoying treats throughout the night.

NEMA is always committed to uplifting and promoting local talent at these events, providing a platform for community members to share their skills, celebrate their heritage, and be recognised on a broader stage.

NEMA encourages everyone to bring family and friends, arrive on time and spend the evening enjoying the various festivities on the agenda.

For more information, contact NEMA at nema@nema.org.au or via phone on 0477 995 306.