This year, Diwali falls on Sunday 8 November. Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights, one of the biggest festivals in India and around the world. Celebrated over a five-day period, it usually falls in October or November. For Hindus, Jains and Sikhs, it symbolises “good over evil” and is a time for reflection, renewal and gratitude, with a strong focus on family and community. During Diwali, people clean their homes and decorate with lights and colourful patterns. It is common to wear new clothes for the festival, exchange gifts and prepare meals for loved ones.

Diwali is celebrated over five days in the following order:

Dhanteras – Start of Diwali and a day dedicated to cleaning to Welcome Goddess Lakshmi. To celebrate Dhanteras, people traditionally buy gold and new kitchen utensils.

Naraka Chaturdasi/Choti Diwali – Known as ‘Little Diwali’. Coloured artwork ‘Rangoli’ is created in doorways and courtyard of homes along with the opening of fire crackers.

Diwali – Placement of lights and lamps across households.

Celebrate with us

Henna art with Henna Florals

Drop by and celebrate Diwali with a Henna design from Henna Florals.

When: Sunday 8 November.

Time: 12pm - 2pm.

Location: Details to be confirmed.

Lantern making workshop

Make lanterns with us to celebrate Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights.

When: Sunday 8 November.

Time: 11am - 2pm.

Location: The Kid's Zone, located opposite Fabula.

Performance from ISCKON

Celebrate Diwali with a performance from Harinama Krishna.

When: Sunday 8 November.

Time: 12pm - 2pm.

Location: Starting outside Boost juice and moving through to the stage on Level 2, opposite The Waverley.

Meet Akshaya Bhutka

To commemorate the festival, Akshaya Bhutkar has crafted textile designs which celebrate the occasion and they are featured in Westfield’s Diwali creative. Akshaya is a Sydney-based artist and fashion designer who is passionate about infusing more Bollywood culture into Australian wardrobes through her designs. We caught up with Akshaya to learn more about her creation, titled ‘Sweet Escape’ and to hear about her family’s Diwali traditions. Meet Akshaya Bhutkar, creator of Westfield’s Diwali artwork.