Last Friday, the Greater Beveridge Community Centre was full of dancing, delicious food, and laughter to celebrate the Diwali festival of lights.
Diwali, which translates into ‘row of lights,’ symbolises the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Diwali is one of the largest multi-cultural celebrations held in the Mitchell Shire.
This year, the event was organised by Beveridge Primary School and Kilmore Primary School’s multicultural playgroup members. Invitees included Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell and a representative for the Member for Kalkallo Ros Spence, Officer Manager Chanmali Tregambe.
Beveridge Primary School Principal Christine Cole also attended as an esteemed guest along with many residents of the southern Mitchell Shire community. The Diwali festival was made possible with Community Grants from the Bendigo Bank Community Bank Wallan and District and contributions from Mitchell Shire Council.
The first energised dance of the evening was performed by three dancers wearing traditional costumes and jewellery.
Mitchell Shire Cluster of Schools Leading Teacher and emcee Shanthi Antony delegated a sombre moment to draw attention to the 16 Days of Activism campaign against family violence. A short vigil to shine a light on good over evil was held for the mothers present with their children.
Towards the end of the afternoon, the stage was filled with every section of the community having a turn to dance with each other including an elder’s dance each for men and women.
Finally, the evening drew to a close and joy, prosperity and light shone on the community while they enjoyed a delicious menu of traditional Indian cuisine.
