MELBOURNE, 25 October 2026: In a world marked by conflicts, disputes and deepening divisions—often along religious, community and ethnic lines—small efforts that build understanding can offer a much-needed ray of hope.
That spirit was on display at the Interfaith Diwali Celebration, Sharing the Light Melbourne, held at the Manningham Uniting Church Community Centre on a rainy day. People from different faiths gathered under one roof to mark Diwali, the Festival of Lights celebrated by millions across India and around the world.
The event saw a Hindu festival, sometimes described as India’s festival of lights, celebrated in a Christian church hall, with faith leaders sharing their perspectives on what it means to “share the light”.
Speakers represented Hinduism, Sikhism, Islam, Jainism, the Palestinian Muslim and Christian communities, the Bahá’í faith, Judaism, Tibetan Buddhism, and Greek and Chinese traditions. The faith representatives lit traditional lamps, reflecting the universality of light in humanity’s shared quest for a better world.
The discussion offered an informative and, at times, revealing insight into humanity’s diversity. In a diaspora setting, Diwali brought these varied perspectives together, offering a message of hope.
Councillors and a representative of the Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV) praised the Hindus For Human Rights (HFHR) for organising the interfaith Diwali celebration.
The cultural program featured a semi-classical Kathak performance by Sanditi and classical vocal music by Bimal, accompanied by Jigar on tabla. The evening concluded with a Garba dance finale led by Krishna, followed by networking. Emcee Nandni Sen Mehra conducted the event with apt and professional way.
