By Bonny Burrows
The Indian Association Cardinia Casey has been blown away by the support for Pakenham’s first Diwali festival.
The Saturday 21 October event was the first community event held in celebration of India’s stunning Festival of Lights.
The Hindu festival is held during autumn in the Northern Hemisphere and celebrates good fortune, family, friendships and the belief that good will triumph over evil.
An Indian Association Cardinia Casey spokesperson said the group was overwhelmed with the community response.
“I can’t explain how good it was,” the spokesperson said.
“It was one of the best events Pakenham has witnessed, where everyone danced on Bollywood beats, kids enjoyed the rides and games and there was variety of food to enhance the taste buds.”
“It was a family fun evening with smiles, love and colours everywhere.”
An estimate 900 people, from all backgrounds and cultures, attended the day’s celebrations, while organisers predicted about 1500 community members stopped to take in the spectacular fireworks finale.
“The attendees mentioned it was the best fireworks Pakenham has ever witnessed,” the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson said community comments were overwhelmingly positive, with a number of children already asking for another Diwali celebration next year.
