Sydney is set to sparkle this festive season with two spectacular celebrations of Diwali – the Festival of Lights – organised by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) through the Consulate General of India, Sydney and the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC).
Diwali at the Art Gallery of New South Wales
Saturday, 27 September 2025
1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Art Gallery of NSW
Free Entry
The iconic Art Gallery of NSW will come alive with music, dance and creativity. Visitors will enjoy a rich line-up of performances, including Carnatic music with Karpahavalli, a Kathak recital by Swastik Institute of Dance, folk dance by Utsav Dance Academy, and the energy of Bollywood by Dance Because.
In addition to the stage, families can join hands-on workshops led by artist Gauri Torgalkar, creating their own Diwali decorations while learning the stories and traditions woven into this luminous festival. Whether Diwali is part of your tradition or you’re experiencing it for the first time, the afternoon promises light, laughter and community spirit.
This event is presented in collaboration with the Consulate General of India, Sydney and the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre.
Diwali at Powerhouse Castle Hill
Saturday, 25 October 2025
10:30 AM onwards Powerhouse Castle Hill Free Entry
A month later, the celebrations continue with a full-day cultural extravaganza at Powerhouse Castle Hill. The program begins with a warm welcome from Powerhouse and SVCC at 10:30am, followed by a dazzling line-up of performances:
- Karpahavalli Music Academy – Carnatic music (11–11:30am)
- Nrityam Sydney Dance Studio – Bollywood-inspired choreography (12:30–1pm)
- Kalashree Dance Institute – Traditional Koli dance from Maharashtra (1:30–2pm)
- Kiyara Dance Academy – Classical Odissi dance (2:30–3pm)
Cultural immersion continues with Rangoli workshops (11am & 1pm) led by Sandhya Srinivasan, storytelling sessions (12pm & 2pm) with award-winning author Susanne Gervay OAM, and curator-led tours of Indian textiles from the Powerhouse Collection (11am, 12:15pm, 2pm & 3:15pm).
Visitors can also indulge in traditional Indian sweets and savouries at the onsite café and enjoy favourites from Chatkazz food stall.
Event Partners
These vibrant festivals are proudly presented by the Consulate General of India, Sydney and the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC).
The Consulate General of India, Sydney, established in 1941, plays a vital role in fostering India’s political, economic, cultural, and community relations with New South Wales and South Australia.
The Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, founded by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (Government of India), is dedicated to building bridges between India and Australia through culture. Its mission is to share India’s rich and diverse heritage, with events spanning music, dance, art, and literature.
A Community Invitation
Both the Art Gallery of NSW and Powerhouse Castle Hill events promise to bring together communities through art, music, storytelling, and food. Free and open to all, these celebrations are a chance to step into the light of Diwali, experience India’s rich traditions, and share in the joy of togetherness.
Come celebrate the Festival of Lights with colour, sparkle and joy this September and October in Sydney.
