THE Hunter Multicultural Communities centre will transform into a world of vibrant colours and festive lights on Saturday for its first Diwali Utsav, Festival of Lights.
The hall will bring a part of India to Newcastle with traditional decorations, food and shopping stalls marking the occasion from 5pm on October 26.
The Hindu festival symbolises the victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.
The five-day celebration is one of the most significant festivals in India and its hallmarks include good food, fireworks, coloured sand, special candles and lamps.
Organiser Sunita Pandit said the idea behind the event was to bring a piece of where she grew up to where she lives now.
"We wanted to bring the community together and show the culture and a small part of how Diwali is celebrated as a unity," she said.
Often the festival is celebrated throughout homes in India with personalised rituals.
"For example usually we exchange sweets, so we will have a sweets store where people can purchase from," she said.
"This is about bringing some part of India, where we come from, for others to experience," she said.
Activities will include rangoli and diya making, various games, a dance workshop and henna as well as clothes, jewellery and Indian cuisine stores.
There will also be an open dance floor with a DJ.
"There's no party without Bollywood numbers," Ms Pandit said.
She wanted to thank sponsors and the multicultural centre that has assisted in pulling the festival together.
"It's the first time we are doing it so we will just see how it goes," she said. "We have so far been blessed with a good response from the community.
"The venue has also been really great helping us with whatever our requirements are."
Tickets are still available for the festival and can be purchased for $20 online.
