FIAN’s colourful Diwali Fair 2018 was a success!

Federation of Indian Associations of NSW’s (FIAN) Diwali fair 2018 on Sunday 28 October at Holroyd Gardens, Merrylands, NSW was a huge success with about 10,000 people attending the fair throughout the day. People enjoyed the fair, which had dances, music, song, food, kids rides and of course a spectacular fireworks right at the end. The fireworks was enjoyed by not only those who were present at the Fair, but also by those from nearby apartments and homes,

Diwali Fair was attended by the top political leaders from both sides of NSW politics.  New South Wales Premier, the Hon Gladys Berejiklian attended the function and spoke about the meaning of Diwali, which is the victory of the good over the bad and the victory of the light over the dark. She thanked Indian Australian community for their contribution to Australia generally and to NSW particularly. The minister for multiculturalism, the Hon Ray Williams along with Dr. Geoff Lee, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier also attended the function. The leader of the Opposition, The Hon Luke Foley along with the Hon Jodi Mckay, shadow minister for transport were present at the Fair. Granville MP, Julia Finn, Prospects MP, Hugh Mcdermott and the Hon Daniel Mookhey MLC also attended the Fair. Besides them, Parramatta federal MP, Ms. Julie Owens and Cumberland Council Mayor, Clr Greg Cummingswere present at the fair. Mayor of the Council thanked FIAN for bringing a major Indian event to the Cumberland LGA. Clr Suman Saha’s assistance was invaluable at every stage, whenever his help was needed.

President of Federation of Indian Associations of NSW, Dr. Yadu Singh, in his speech explained that Diwali or Deepavali is not a celebration of just Hindu community, but it is also a festival for Buddhist, Jain and Sikh communities, and is celebrated not only in India, but also by Indians all over the world, including Australia. Diwali is a key event of people who have Indian heritage and is celebrated in every home of people belonging to a variety of faiths and religions.

There were many performances from non-Indian multicultural communities. Bhangra and Giddha performances from Punjabi culture of India created ripples at the fair and were thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.

FIAN team is pleased that their maiden Diwali Fair was a huge success and is determined to work harder to have an even bigger Diwali Fair next year. FIAN team believes that key celebrations from Indian heritage should be free for people to attend and to facilitate families with younger kids to attend such events. It is important to maintain our culture and inculcate a sense of pride about rich Indian culture among the younger generation of the community. FIAN believes that alternative mechanisms can be found to fund such key events from Indian heritage.

FIAN team is energetic, dynamic and hard working. They are grateful for the support from Multicultural NSW, and the major sponsor, Spark homes. FIAN is thankful to the sponsorship from Shaw and partners, Best and Less Travel and Remit2India, which enabled them to deliver a successful Diwali Fair.