Diwali Festival 2014 lights up WA

• Diwali celebrations are taking place all over Perth and WA

• More than 75,000 people will take part in festivities across the State

Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister Mike Nahan today wished Western Australia's Indian communities a very happy Diwali.

Diwali is a major Indian festival celebrated in India, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Australia and many other countries where there are large Indian communities.

"Diwali is an inclusive celebration attracting large numbers of people from the Western Australian Indian and the wider community," Dr Nahan said.

"It is a celebration of light over darkness and good over bad.  It represents hope and freedom from darkness, misery and evil."

This year, major celebrations include Diwali Mela 2014 at Claremont Showgrounds on Saturday, October 25; the Swan Festival of Lights at Langley Park from Wednesday, October 22 to Sunday, October 26; and the Festival of Lights in Geraldton on Saturday, October 25.

Some events will attract up to 50,000 people over the course of several days.

"These festivals are now much-anticipated events on the Perth festival calendar and include fantastic entertainment and activities for everyone, as well as fireworks and food," the Minister said.

"Diwali is now an occasion enjoyed by people of all cultural backgrounds and walks of life. These events give the broader community an opportunity to embrace cultural diversity and to participate in and learn about other cultures.

"It's the sort of festival that WA - with its extensive and vibrant culturally diverse community - does spectacularly well."

Fact File

• Diwali is also known as Deepavali or the Festival of Lights and is celebrated on the 15th day of Kartika (October/November) in the Hindu calendar

• Diwali is a major Indian festival and is significant in Hinduism, Sikhism and Jainism

• India is now the top non-main-English-speaking country of birth for WA

Minister's office - 6552 5700