Jessica Micallef
It was a very different Diwali festival this year, with the colourful and vibrant showcase forced online due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Known as the festival of lights, Diwali is a five-day celebration commemorated by Hindus all over the world.
The Multicultural Resources Hub, a not-for-profit organisation that connects new migrants in Australia to existing communities, usually celebrate the festival in Sunbury.
Community and program advisor Shammi Parekh said the group was proud to virtually present a showcase of their culture earlier this month.
“We invited the community to join in and enjoy this colourful celebration with friends, family and the diverse multicultural communities, while ensuring everyone stays safe,” she said.
“Our online event was very successful.
“Diwali is the festival of lights, the triumph of good over evil. It strengthens us to come out from darkness and move towards light, to leave despair and to hope for a better tomorrow.”
Children from Dobell Avenue Kindergarten and Goodstart Kindergarten in Sunbury helped the group celebrate Diwali with arts and crafts activities and dressing up in traditional Indian clothing.
“The children enjoyed the celebration with their friends and teachers,” Ms Parekh said.
“We appreciate living in a culturally diverse society, all people regardless of culture, religion, language or place of birth.
“We know this year has been very challenging and we pray that 2021 will bring us together.”
To watch the Multicultural Resources Hub virtual Diwali festival, visit: bit.ly/2UDYDKj
