MELBOURNE, 26 October 2025: The seemingly endless celebration of Diwali (Festival of Lights) 2025 continues to live up to its name. Gone are the days when the festivities were confined to the Sandown Racecourse or Federation Square. The Uttar Pradesh Association of Australia (UPAA) held its grand Diwali celebration today at Cathies Lane Receptions in Wantirna South, marked by colour, culture, and camaraderie.
The event ran from noon to 6 p.m., beginning with a traditional ‘puja’ (prayer), followed by a vibrant lineup of speeches, music, and dance performances — both traditional and Bollywood-inspired. Certificates and mementos of appreciation were presented, while bipartisan political support was evident through attendance by Australian and Indian dignitaries.
Guests enjoyed an three-course Indian lunch paired with white and red wines, desserts of ice cream and Gulab Jamun, and a cultural performance by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR)-backed troupe led by Dr. Nitu Kumari Nootan, a renowned folk and semi-classical singer from Bihar. Her performance opened with ‘Jai Sri Ram’ and included a range of lively folk songs, including the popular ‘Jhoole Lal’, inspiring the audience to join in dance.
The electronic stage backdrop featured images of literary giant Munshi Premchand, shehnai maestro Bismillah Khan, notable tourist landmarks from Uttar Pradesh, and banners of the program’s main sponsors. The reception centre itself — illuminated with candles, glittering chandeliers, and a spacious pillarless ballroom — created an elegant and festive ambiance.
Among the speakers were Dr. Santosh Kumar, President of UPAA; Matt Fregon, Labour MP; Brad Battin, Leader of the Opposition; Natalie Suleyman MP, Minister for Veterans, Youth, Small Business and Employment; Dr. Sushil Kumar, Consul General of India in Melbourne; and Cr Pradeep Tiwari, Mayor of Maribyrnong. They each congratulated the community on the occasion of Diwali and expressed optimism for a bright and prosperous future for Victoria and Australia.
Highlights of the celebration included the raffle draw, recognition of community influencers, vibrant Bollywood numbers such as Purvansh Shukla’s rendition of ‘Gulabi Aankhen Jo Teri Dekhi’, and an atmosphere of joyous networking and festivity throughout the gathering.
