Diwali Festival lights up Marvel Stadium

The Diwali Festival has lit up Marvel Stadium, with hundreds enjoying the colourful festivities and performances. See if you are featured in our gallery of the event.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 26 2024 Meghana Reddy, Shivali Karla, Vinayanta Bhoyar at the Melbourne Diwali Festival held at Marvel Stadium. Picture: Brendan Beckett

Marvel Stadium transformed into a beacon of light and colour on Saturday as hundreds celebrated Diwali — one of the biggest Indian holidays of the year. Diwali — also known as the “festival of lights” — celebrates a victory of light over darkness and good over evil, with people traditionally filling their homes with “diyas” or lanterns as well as observing large firework displays.For the second year Marvel Stadium became the epicentre of Diwali festivities, with more than 40 performances — including Bollywood dances — and cultural workshops.

Sandeep Kaur, Anya Gupta Front row l-r Tanvi khanna, Kyra Gupta, Muskan Manchanda. Picture: Jason Edwards

By the evening the area became Melbourne’s biggest Indian dance party, with crowds busting a move as prominent local Indian DJs took the stage.

Shivali Karle, who danced as part of the Nachley Vey dance group, said it was “special” to be able to perform on Diwali.

“Being able to express our feelings through dance I think is the main reason why we love it,” she said.

Naija khanna, Catherine jolly and Yashvi patel at the Melbourne Diwali Festival held at Marvel Stadium on October 26th, 2024Picture: Brendan Beckett

Jamal Hakim and Bharti at the Melbourne Diwali Festival held at Marvel Stadium on October 26, 2024Picture: Brendan Beckett

The Vaishali, Subh family and Mital familiesPicture: Brendan Beckett

Sumit and Navadeep outside Marvel Stadium which hosted the Diwali festival on Saturday. Picture: Brendan Beckett

Anjali, Riya and ShyaamPicture: Brendan Beckett

John and Kate at the Melbourne Diwali Festival held at Marvel Stadium Picture: Brendan Beckett

Alphia, Chloe and Jenny Picture: Brendan Beckett

Yash, Aaira, Shanaya and NiharikaPicture: Brendan Beckett

The Little Champs dance group moments after they performed at the Marvel Stadium Diwali festival. Picture: Brendan Beckett

The Kiran family at the Melbourne Diwali Festival Picture: Brendan Beckett

Simmi and Shradha Picture: Brendan Beckett

The Arya familyPicture: Brendan Beckett

Diwali performers with their families Picture: Brendan Beckett

The Gujarati Traditional Garba dance group at the Melbourne Diwali Festival Picture: Brendan Beckett

Navadeep and KanchanPicture: Brendan Beckett

Anya Gupta and Kyra Gupta Picture: Brendan Beckett

The Nagpal familyPicture: Brendan Beckett

Jesse and Basia Picture: Brendan Beckett

The Agrawal familyPicture: Brendan Beckett

Hannah and DahuiPicture: Brendan Beckett

Shub, Shanka, Vasu and Bhaskar Picture: Brendan Beckett

The Bong Connections dance group Picture: Brendan Beckett

Vijay Dua, Reeta Dua, Silvia Due and Lincy DuaPicture: Brendan Beckett

Ganesh, Sravani and SowjanyaPicture: Brendan Beckett

Tilip, Kalpana, Gargi and EmilyPicture: Brendan Beckett

Rohit and SravaniPicture: Brendan Beckett

Kashvi and Kyra Picture: Brendan Beckett

The Dazzling Divas performers with their families backstage 2024Picture: Brendan Beckett

Arun, Sudanyaa, Lekshma, Shike and MuthuPicture: Brendan Beckett