What is Diwali?

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

Diwali Display and Photo Moment

Celebrate the spirit of Diwali with our beautifully integrated, oversized lotus-inspired photo moment display. You are invited to come along, admire the stunning installation and capture a special festive photo to remember!

Date: Wed 4 Nov - Tue 10 Nov

Location: Level 2, near Nespresso

Diwali Westfield Membership Competition

Celebrate the Festival of Lights with Westfield this Diwali and immerse yourself in the magic, colour and storytelling of this special time of year. To mark the global cinema release of Ramayana: Rise of a Legend, Westfield members will have the chance to win an exclusive VIP private screening of the highly anticipated film for up to 50 guests, bringing friends and family together to experience this epic retelling of one of the world's most celebrated ancient stories.

Dates: Mon 2 Nov - Sun 15 Nov

Enter: Enter in-centre by scanning the competition signage near the Diwali photo-moment or via the signs on each concierge desk. Enter via the Westfield App daily for your chance to win by locating the Competition artcle.

Terms and Conditions Apply

For more information about the competition, click here.

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.
Find out more about Akshaya here!