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

Join us at Westfield Hornsby for an afternoon of delicious flavours and vibrant entertainment as we celebrate Diwali.

Diwali sampling cart

Enjoy complimentary samples from O'Bombay, including delicious samosas and tandoori chicken, while Bollywood dancers bring the celebration to life with performances throughout the event.

Date: Thursday, 5 November
Time: 11:00am - 1:00pm
Location: Level 1, near Priceline

The Tea Centre

Continue the celebrations with complimentary tea tastings from The Tea Centre. Discover warming flavours including Mumbai Chai, Masala Chai and Assam Dimakusi.

Date: Thursday 5 November
Time: 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Location: Level 1, near Priceline

Your chance to win a VIP screening of RAMAYANA: RISE OF A LEGEND

To celebrate the cinema release of Ramayana: Rise of a Legend, Westfield is giving members the chance to win a VIP private screening of the film for up to 50 people.

Prize includes:
A private VIP private screening of Ramayana: Rise of a Legend for up to 50 people.

See Ramayana: Rise of a Legend, only in cinemas November 5 at Level 4, Event Cinemas, just one level up from the Food Court.

Going to see Ramayana?
Purchase a ticket to Ramayana at Event Cinemas Westfield Hornsby and enjoy 10% off at O'Bombay.

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. Read more here.

Accessibility

We're committed to providing an inclusive and accessible environment at Westfield Hornsby. Westfield is a proud participant in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme which helps to support and raise awareness for people living with a hidden disability.

We offer quiet time every Tuesday between 10.30am - 11.30am with our centre lights dimmed and music volume adjusted, find out more here. You can also find our sensory friendly map here to assist customers who are sensitive to sounds, lights and smells and may benefit from low-sensory shopping experiences.

Find a full list of our accessible services including parking, amenities and mobility hire here.