Powerhouse Castle Hill will host its annual Diwali celebration on Saturday, October 25. The free public event, organised in partnership with the Consulate General of India, Sydney and the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, will offer a day filled with music, dance, art, storytelling, and food.
The Hindu festival of lights (also known as Deepavali) is celebrated each year on the 15th Day of the ‘Kartik’ month (eight month according to the Hindu calendar) on ‘Amavasya’ (new moon). This year it will be celebrated on October 20 around the world.
Deepavali, meaning “row of lights” in Sanskrit, is one of the most significant cultural festivals globally with over a billion people celebrating it worldwide. Observed by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs, the festival symbolises the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
The celebration at Powerhouse Castle Hill will feature an array of performances showcasing India’s diverse dance traditions. The Ruchi Sanghi Dance Company will open the festivities with a Kathak performance inspired by ancient Hindu epics.
The Nisha Mannath & Team dance group will bring the energy of Indian folk traditions to the stage, followed by Kalankan Dance Academy and Thrayee presenting classical styles such as Mohiniyattam, Kathak and Bharatnatyam. Later in the afternoon, Bollywood rhythms by Groove Dance Academy and lively Bhangra numbers by Raunakaan Bhangra Group will keep the crowd entertained.
For the first time, Powerhouse Collection staff will conduct guided tours exploring the theme of light through objects from the museum’s collection. Visitors will be able to see items ranging from an oil lamp from Ancient Pompeii to a detailed anatomical model explaining how the human eye perceives light, offering a blend of science, art and culture.
Children’s author Sheena Garg will read from her latest book on Diwali and rangoli, followed by an interactive workshop where children can create their own rangoli art and paper diyas, the small oil lamps that symbolise the festival.
Adding to the festive spirit, popular Indian street food restaurant Chatkazz will serve traditional sweets and savoury dishes throughout the day.
Powerhouse Chief Executive Lisa Havilah said the institution was delighted to once again collaborate with the Consulate General of India and the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre.
“Powerhouse Castle Hill will transform for the festival of lights, with a vibrant lineup of Indian talent and objects from the Powerhouse Collection,” she said.
Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre Director Niyati Mehta added,
“We are delighted to partner with Powerhouse again this year for Diwali at Castle Hill. We invite everyone to join us with their family and friends for a wonderful day of Indian culture.”
Diwali at Powerhouse Castle Hill will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and registrations are required to attend. The full program is available at http://bit.ly/4mcdyFE
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