Karratha’s growing Indian community mark new beginnings with Diwali festival

With millions of people around the world celebrating the Hindu festival of Diwali, members of Karratha’s Indian community gathered on Friday to celebrate the festival of lights. More than 200 people dressed in their saris and kurtas flocked to Bulgarra’s Frank Butler Centre to mark the occasion, which symbolises new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. Organising committee member Shivaji Shelke said it was important to bring Karratha’s growing Indian community together. “Diwali is the biggest festival for all the Indians and tonight is the perfect time to get everyone together,” he said. “It’s also good for our kids, who are far away from our motherland, to know our culture and learn why Diwali is important.” The celebrations began with puja, a ceremonial worship for Hindus, before people ate traditional food and were entertained by dancers. Mr Shelke said a highlight of the night was seeing how multicultural it was, with Italians, Filipinos and Australians attending. “We’ve also invited people from other nationalities because we’re all really close friends and they’re curious to see how we celebrate it,” he said. “That’s our principle ... guests are always welcome for us, no matter which country or which religion or race they are from.”