Melbourne lights up for the 2024 Diwali festivities. See where to celebrate.

Melbourne has lit up for Diwali as celebrations for the Hindu Festival of Lights get into full swing.

2024 Diwali celebrations are in full swing in Melbourne. See where you can celebrate.

Melbourne has lit up for Diwali as celebrations for the Hindu Festival of Lights get into full swing.

Diwali, the largest festival for billions of Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and some Buddhists worldwide, symbolises the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.

The five-day celebration, rich with diverse traditions and customs, is marked by the lighting of oil lamps, bursting of firecrackers, prayers, and vibrant decorations.

This year, the festivities began on October 29 with Dhanteras, a day symbolising wealth, followed by Choti Diwali, or ‘small Diwali’ on October 30.

The main Diwali celebration — dedicated to the worship of the goddess of wealth and prosperity Goddes Lakshmi — falls on October 31.

The festival continues with Govardhan Puja on November 1 and concludes with Bhai Dooj on November 2.

Marvel Stadium transformed into a vibrant spectacle of light and colour on Saturday as hundreds gathered for pre-Diwali celebrations, featuring more than 40 performances, including Bollywood dances and cultural workshops.

But there’s still time to join in the Diwali festivities, with numerous events planned to celebrate the Festival of Lights.

SEE ALL DIWALI EVENTS HAPPENING IN MELBOURNE

Family Diwali Ball, Epping

The Heritage 2 Restaurant will host a Family Diwali Ball on Saturday, November 2, starting at 7pm.

The event will feature a dedicated kids zone, a gala dinner, live DJ, Bollywood dancers and a fireworks display.

Address: Behind YMCA Leisure Center, 53 Miller St, Epping.

Diwali Pahat, Clayton

Chai n Chilli Clayton will be hosting the Diwali Pahat on Saturday, November 2.

The event will commence at 8.30am with musical morning playing Marathi folk music and delicious Maharastrian snacks.

Address: 125 Carinish road, Clayton.

Lady Cutler’s Diwali Cruise, Docklands

Lady Cutler’s Diwali Cruise on November 1 promises to blend the beauty of Diwali with the magic of Melbourne’s waterfront.

The 18+ event promises an evening filled with Diwali-themed festivities including Indian food and Diwali-inspired music.

Address: Lady Cutler Melbourne Showboat, 131 Harbour Esplanade, Docklands

2024 Diwali Festival of Lights, Melton

The annual Diwali celebrations at the Melton Community Hall will be back on November 2.
Organised by Australian Integrated Fijian Association of Vic, the event will have vibrant performances, delicious food along with an evening filled with all things Diwali.

Address: 238 High Street, Melton

UPAA & Hindi Niketan Diwali Celebration, Clayton

UPAA & Hindi Niketan Diwali Celebration will return for another year on November 3 at the Clayton Hall.

The event, that commences at 5pm on Sunday promises to immerse you in vibrant colours and the rich traditions of Diwali.

Attendees will enjoy delicious Indian food, traditional music and dance performances that will transport you to India.

Address: 264 Clayton Rd, Clayton.

Diwali Gala, Epping

Diwali celebrations will be in full swing at Bellagio Receptions’ 2024 Diwali Gala at Epping on November 3.

The event will have a three-course meal with unlimited drinks, a dance floor with a live DJ playing a mix of Bollywood, traditional folk and contemporary music.

There will also be face painting and games to keep the kids entertained.

Address: 15 Yale Dr, Epping.

Festival of Lights, Deer Park

Deer Park Club will be organising a night filled with all things Diwali on November 2.

An Indian buffet will be served by award-winning executive chef from Delhi – Chef Karamjeet Singh, alongside entertainment by Youtuber Heer Sharma.

There will also be free Hanna and mehndi body art.

Address: 780 Ballarat Rd, Deer Park

Diwali Festival of Lights, Glen Eira

Glen Eira City Council’s annual Diwali bash will return on November 2.

Dance will take centre stage, as DJ Richi will take over with dhol drumming skills, while dance group Bindaas Bollywood will synchronise their moves to his beat.

Chandralaya School of Dance and Sindhu Bhairavi Centre for Indian Arts and Culture are also all set to light up the stage showcasing traditional Indian dances.

Between performances people can also enjoy the photo booth, free face painting, and henna art stations where skilled artists will decorate hands.
Address: Booran Reserve, Glen Huntly.