MELBOURNE, 27 October, 2024: This year Melbourne is having the the maximum number of Diwali-related events. In fact every suburb, big companies and the annual Diwali functions are tough to keep a track situation. This is likely to continue into November, it looks. Today evening was the one organised by the Indian Consulate at the Thornbury Theatre, a day after the Premier’s Diwali State Reception 2024. No doubt, the crowd was there at the first floor foyer enjoying the welcome drinks. Many familiar faces were around and festivity seemed to be in the air.
The crowd’s entry was dramatic as the guests searched for their table numbers. I found mine and settled down with a Samosa and Chaat-Papri. The Indian Consul General, Dr. Sushil Kumar and his family could be seen with other Consulate staff. In a Diaspora situation, the Consulate staff is an essential part of life. These friendly fellows were today mixing with us wishing a happy Diwali, the festival of lights.
There were many community leaders and politicians around introduced to the audience and welcomed on the stage with garlands. The well-decorated coloured and lighted stage set the tone for the evenings celebrations. The traditional lighting of the lamp took place and Dr. Sushil Kumar addressed the gathering followed by other important guests.
The highlight of the festivity was the special performances by Rashid Khan Langa Group (Rajasthani Folk dance) touring Australia supported by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), New Delhi. Wearing traditional colourful Rajasthani dresses they sand folk songs in their language and the thali dance with a lady with many earthen pots on her head was amazing. This was followed by young girls dancing in colourful outfits.
Dinner time was a massive networking experience, with many meeting after last years Diwali events. The ‘Gajar-Ka-Halwa’ dessert added to the sweetness of the ambience. The presence of the diverse Diaspora at the Thornbury Theatre in large numbers made the Indian Consulate Diwali bash a community together in festivity.
