Melbourne's iconic Federation Square will host a two-day Diwali party from November 6-7, a media report said on Friday.
"Diwali has become a well known festival in Australia. Earlier, we used to include 'festival of lights' to explain the event, but now we do not need to. Friends, politicians everyone know Diwali," Australia-based indianlink website quoted Arun Sharma, chairman of Celebrate India Inc., which has been organising the event for the last 10 years, as saying.
"We have people eagerly looking forward to the festival, even non-Indians get very excited. That has been the biggest change and achievement," he added.
Celebrate India has a dedicated team of 35 volunteers for Diwali planning, and this swells to 70 volunteers during the event, according to Sharma.
Fashion parades, live music and cultural entertainment are all part of the 'Folkwood' theme of this year's event.
Popular British-Indian artist Tarsame Singh Saini, aka Taz, who is the lead singer of pop band Stereo Nation will perform at the event.
Another exciting act will be performed by Kalbeliya, a popular Rajasthani folk dance group, as well as performances from local bands like the Om Music Group and The Fifth.
Those heading to Melbourne airport will be greeted with a Diwali display in the departure lounge.
Diwali banners in the international terminal and video footage of previous celebrations will be screened at three locations, Sharma said.
Over 60,000 people are expected to attend this year's event.
