Sweet celebration: Sydney’s ‘little India’ lights up as crowds turn out for Diwali

Diwali is ‘a festival of lights. The candles signify light, it’s the victory of good over evil,’ says Manoj Menda, the owner of a Harris Park sweet and vegetarian restaurant. Photograph: Bahram Mia/The Guardian

To Ambika Suri, Harris Park in Sydney’s west has become something of a haven, somewhere to feel connected to her community, particularly during Diwali.

“We feel at home here, we feel satisfied. Because we are away from our family, Harris Park brings us closer to our community. We miss our family a lot, and coming here makes us feel close to India.”