Melbourne Diwali

Melbourne_Diwali_Logo
Melbourne_Diwali_Logo

FAQs

Here you’ll find answers to common questions about the Melbourne Diwali festival, including event details and activities.

About the Event

Melbourne Diwali is an annual festival celebrating Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. It's a vibrant event filled with cultural performances, delicious food, market stalls, and activities for all ages. The festival aims to bring the community together to celebrate Diwali's rich traditions and promote cultural understanding

Melbourne Diwali is a grand celebration of the Indian Festival of Lights held in Melbourne, showcasing vibrant Indian traditions, arts, and performances.

Entry is free for all attendees

Attendees can enjoy diverse cultural stalls, food vendors, live performances, art and craft displays, and more, representing the rich tapestry of Indian culture.

Yes, Melbourne Diwali is the city's biggest undercover, weatherproof event, ensuring a comfortable experience for all attendees.

Absolutely! Melbourne Diwali is a family-friendly event with activities and performances suitable for all ages.

Yes, there will be a variety of food stalls offering delicious Indian cuisine and beverages.

The festival will proceed rain or shine. However, in the event of extreme weather conditions, we may need to modify the schedule or activities. Please check our website or social media for updates.

 

Absolutely! Melbourne Diwali is a family-friendly event with activities and entertainment suitable for all ages. We have dedicated kids' zones, and performances that everyone can enjoy.

 

Venue

The event is taking place over three days, across two venues

Thursday and Friday Nov 9 and 10 @ The District Docklands, 5:00pm – 9:00pm

Saturday Nov 11, @ Stadium Square, Marvel Stadium ( Gate 2 and 3), 3:00pm – 10:00pm

Both Marvel Stadium and The District Docklands are strategically located with easy transport options for attendees' convenience.

  • For the District Docklands Shopping Centre - Take the Tram 86 or 70 and get down at the last stop Docklands
  • For Marvel Stadium – Its 3 minutes’ walk from the Southern Cross Station

Where is Marvel Stadium Square?

Marvel Stadium Square is an open-air, multipurpose space at Marvel Stadium.

Marvel Stadium Square is located around Gates 2 and 3 of Marvel Stadium. It encompasses the outdoor areas adjacent to these gates and is used for event-related activities.

The square is easily accessible via public transport, with Southern Cross Station being the closest major transport hub. If you're taking a tram, several routes stop near Marvel Stadium. For those driving, parking is available in the surrounding area.

No, Marvel Stadium Square is not inside the stadium seating bowl. It is an external space that forms part of the stadium's precinct for outdoor events.

Yes, the square is designed to be inclusive and accessible, with pathways and facilities that accommodate visitors with disabilities.

Parking and Transport

Marvel Stadium Management - Marvel Stadium Parking (ubipark.com)

Parking on that day will be the event rate. Ensure a hassle-free visit by securing your parking spot early.

Southern Cross Station Car Park (wilsonparking.com.au)

90min FREE PARKING | $10 Early Bird (thedistrictdocklands.com.au)

Southern Cross Station: Just a 3-minute walk from the festivities, it's the most convenient way to join us without the worry of parking.

Trams: Plenty of tram services are available to Marvel Stadium. Plan your journey with PTV's journey plannerJourney planner - Public Transport Victoria (ptv.vic.gov.au)to find the best route.

Attendance at Melbourne Diwali at Marvel Stadium Square

No, tickets are not required to attend Melbourne Diwali as it is a free event open to all. However, we encourage you to register your attendance.

Registering helps us anticipate the number of attendees to ensure everyone has a comfortable and enjoyable experience. It aids in our planning for amenities, security, and entertainment.

You can register on the official Melbourne Diwali website (melbournediwali.com.au)

Registered attendees may receive important updates about the event, a map of the venue, and details about available facilities and services.

No, you will not be denied entry. Registration is for planning purposes and is not mandatory for attendance.

Absolutely! We welcome you to bring guests. Please encourage them to register as well.

You're still welcome to join us at Melbourne Diwali. Online registration is recommended but not compulsory.

There's no deadline, but early registration is advisable to ensure you receive all pertinent information and updates.

For more information and to register, please visit the Melbourne Diwali official website (melbournediwali.com.au)

Melbourne Diwali Workshops and Activities Schedule

Vendors at Melbourne Diwali

Melbourne Diwali is excited to present a diverse array of food vendors, ensuring a delightful culinary experience for all attendees:

 

Goppi Ka Chatka: Dive into the spicy and tangy world of Indian street food with Goppi Ka Chatka, where each bite is a burst of flavour.

 

Saravanaa Bhavan: A renowned name for South Indian vegetarian delights, Saravanaa Bhavan will provide a selection of their famous dosas, idlis, and other regional favourites.

 

Desi Kothi: Step up for a unique twist on Indian desserts with Desi Kothi's Indian ice cream, a perfect sweet treat to enjoy amidst the festivities.

 

Twista Bros.: For those looking for an innovative culinary twist, Twista Bros. will be serving up fusion snacks and meals that blend different culinary traditions.

 

Marvel Catering: Catering to those who prefer continental fare, Delaware North will offer a variety of Western-style food options to ensure there's something for every palate.

Yes, food on that day is vegetarian only.

 Guests with food allergies are encouraged to consult with individual food vendors regarding ingredients. Our vendors are prepared to provide this information to ensure the safety and satisfaction of all our guests.

Indeed, Melbourne Diwali is a cashless event. All vendors will accept a range of cashless payment methods for a smooth and convenient transaction experience.

Participation

There are many ways to get involved! You can participate as a performer, vendor, community group, or volunteer. Check out our “Participation” page for more information and application forms.

 

Yes, we welcome volunteers to help make the festival a success. We have various roles available, from event setup to guest services. Visit our “Volunteer” page to learn more and apply.

 

We’re always looking for talented performers to showcase their skills at Melbourne Diwali. Please fill out the performer application form on our “Participation” page.

 

  • If you’d like to sell food, merchandise,  other goods or services at the festival, please complete the Stall application form on our “Participation” page.

 

Sponsors

Melbourne Diwali is an annual festival celebrating Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. It's a vibrant event filled with cultural performances, delicious food, market stalls, and activities for all ages. The festival aims to bring the community together to celebrate Diwali's rich traditions and promote cultural understanding

Melbourne Diwali is a grand celebration of the Indian Festival of Lights held in Melbourne, showcasing vibrant Indian traditions, arts, and performances.

Entry is free for all attendees

Attendees can enjoy diverse cultural stalls, food vendors, live performances, art and craft displays, and more, representing the rich tapestry of Indian culture.

Yes, Melbourne Diwali is the city's biggest undercover, weatherproof event, ensuring a comfortable experience for all attendees.

Absolutely! Melbourne Diwali is a family-friendly event with activities and performances suitable for all ages.

Yes, there will be a variety of food stalls offering delicious Indian cuisine and beverages.

The festival will proceed rain or shine. However, in the event of extreme weather conditions, we may need to modify the schedule or activities. Please check our website or social media for updates.

 

Absolutely! Melbourne Diwali is a family-friendly event with activities and entertainment suitable for all ages. We have dedicated kids' zones, and performances that everyone can enjoy.

 

Others

The event in general will be active with many lights, sounds and movements. It may be disturbing to pets. We will update this section soon.

  • 16 October – Launch and Business meet and greet for sponsors – About 150 business and community leaders.
  • 9th and 10th November – The District Docklands events are primarily targetted at local Docklands community. We will be working closely with local schools specially The Docklands Primary School. We expected about 2000 families to participate in activities over 2 days.
  • 11 November – @Marvel we expect about 6000 individuals to participate.
  • For reference – last year we had about 5100 people on main event day. The venue was a small park in Docklands. This year we have a much larger, better and covered venue.
  • We believe that it is important to build bridges with people in authority and ordinary residents. Diwali is a perfect opportunity to discuss community successes and concerns with people with influence.
  • We will remain nonpartisan and invite members from all major parties. We have already sent invitations to the Lord Mayor, local State and Federal MP’s, Premier and Leader of Opposition in Victoria.
  • We have also invited Consulate General of India.
  • Many prominent members of our community have also been invited.
  • We are changing the format this year. Last year we planned the event for about 2000 people with enough food and toys to serve them. However we received over 5100 people. Due to constant rains it became difficult for us to provide enough food for all. Over 80 volunteers from the two temples worked for days to provide temple food and as is cultural they love to feed people. We ran out of food by about 7PM. It was very sad. We also had to ration toys. Everyone was given a toy, over 1800 kids were given toys from Lego and other brands but the management of distribution became a challenge.
  • We have learnt from it and decided to instead invest our energies and resources to make the experience better.
  • The event on 11 Nov is now going to be professionally managed by Marvel Stadium professionals. They will be managing all vendors compliances, stage, sound, lights, security, cleaning etc.
  • With the help of The District Docklands some free workshops will still happen. Mainly Mehendi, Dance and Indian Street Food Cooking.
  • Pottery painting will not be free as pots are very difficult to secure. We are also trying to bring in a professional Aboriginal artist to conduct workshops. We are yet to finalise the price but it will be between $65 to $110 per family. The participant will be able to pick a Terracotta Vase, learn about Aboriginal art, decorate it with Diwali message and take it home. The vases are premium quality from Bonnie and Neal collection. Sample here: Bonnie & Neil Terracotta Vase – Village Home & Gifts (villagehomeandgifts.com.au) We are in discussions with businesses who may subsidise these workshops and we will get details by first week of October.

You can reach us through the contact form on our website or by emailing us at info@melbournediwali.com.au. We'll be happy to answer any further questions you may

Outside food and drinks are not allowed, but we'll have a wide variety of food and beverage options available for purchase at the festival.

 

Edit Content

Melbourne Diwali is an annual festival celebrating Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. It's a vibrant event filled with cultural performances, delicious food, market stalls, and activities for all ages. The festival aims to bring the community together to celebrate Diwali's rich traditions and promote cultural understanding

Melbourne Diwali is a grand celebration of the Indian Festival of Lights held in Melbourne, showcasing vibrant Indian traditions, arts, and performances.

Entry is free for all attendees

Attendees can enjoy diverse cultural stalls, food vendors, live performances, art and craft displays, and more, representing the rich tapestry of Indian culture.

Yes, Melbourne Diwali is the city's biggest undercover, weatherproof event, ensuring a comfortable experience for all attendees.

Absolutely! Melbourne Diwali is a family-friendly event with activities and performances suitable for all ages.

Yes, there will be a variety of food stalls offering delicious Indian cuisine and beverages.

The festival will proceed rain or shine. However, in the event of extreme weather conditions, we may need to modify the schedule or activities. Please check our website or social media for updates.

 

Absolutely! Melbourne Diwali is a family-friendly event with activities and entertainment suitable for all ages. We have dedicated kids' zones, and performances that everyone can enjoy.

 

Edit Content

The event is taking place over three days, across two venues

Thursday and Friday Nov 9 and 10 @ The District Docklands, 5:00pm – 9:00pm

Saturday Nov 11, @ Stadium Square, Marvel Stadium ( Gate 2 and 3), 3:00pm – 10:00pm

Both Marvel Stadium and The District Docklands are strategically located with easy transport options for attendees' convenience.

  • For the District Docklands Shopping Centre - Take the Tram 86 or 70 and get down at the last stop Docklands
  • For Marvel Stadium – Its 3 minutes’ walk from the Southern Cross Station
Edit Content

Marvel Stadium Square is an open-air, multipurpose space at Marvel Stadium.

Marvel Stadium Square is located around Gates 2 and 3 of Marvel Stadium. It encompasses the outdoor areas adjacent to these gates and is used for event-related activities.

The square is easily accessible via public transport, with Southern Cross Station being the closest major transport hub. If you're taking a tram, several routes stop near Marvel Stadium. For those driving, parking is available in the surrounding area.

No, Marvel Stadium Square is not inside the stadium seating bowl. It is an external space that forms part of the stadium's precinct for outdoor events.

Yes, the square is designed to be inclusive and accessible, with pathways and facilities that accommodate visitors with disabilities.

Edit Content

Marvel Stadium Management - Marvel Stadium Parking (ubipark.com)

Parking on that day will be the event rate. Ensure a hassle-free visit by securing your parking spot early.

Southern Cross Station Car Park (wilsonparking.com.au)

90min FREE PARKING | $10 Early Bird (thedistrictdocklands.com.au)

Southern Cross Station: Just a 3-minute walk from the festivities, it's the most convenient way to join us without the worry of parking.

Trams: Plenty of tram services are available to Marvel Stadium. Plan your journey with PTV's journey plannerJourney planner - Public Transport Victoria (ptv.vic.gov.au)to find the best route.

Edit Content

No, tickets are not required to attend Melbourne Diwali as it is a free event open to all. However, we encourage you to register your attendance.

Registering helps us anticipate the number of attendees to ensure everyone has a comfortable and enjoyable experience. It aids in our planning for amenities, security, and entertainment.

You can register on the official Melbourne Diwali website (melbournediwali.com.au)

Registered attendees may receive important updates about the event, a map of the venue, and details about available facilities and services.

No, you will not be denied entry. Registration is for planning purposes and is not mandatory for attendance.

Absolutely! We welcome you to bring guests. Please encourage them to register as well.

You're still welcome to join us at Melbourne Diwali. Online registration is recommended but not compulsory.

There's no deadline, but early registration is advisable to ensure you receive all pertinent information and updates.

For more information and to register, please visit the Melbourne Diwali official website (melbournediwali.com.au)

Melbourne Diwali Workshops and Activities Schedule

Edit Content
Edit Content
Edit Content

Melbourne Diwali is excited to present a diverse array of food vendors, ensuring a delightful culinary experience for all attendees:

 

Goppi Ka Chatka: Dive into the spicy and tangy world of Indian street food with Goppi Ka Chatka, where each bite is a burst of flavour.

 

Saravanaa Bhavan: A renowned name for South Indian vegetarian delights, Saravanaa Bhavan will provide a selection of their famous dosas, idlis, and other regional favourites.

 

Desi Kothi: Step up for a unique twist on Indian desserts with Desi Kothi's Indian ice cream, a perfect sweet treat to enjoy amidst the festivities.

 

Twista Bros.: For those looking for an innovative culinary twist, Twista Bros. will be serving up fusion snacks and meals that blend different culinary traditions.

 

Marvel Catering: Catering to those who prefer continental fare, Delaware North will offer a variety of Western-style food options to ensure there's something for every palate.

Yes, food on that day is vegetarian only.

 Guests with food allergies are encouraged to consult with individual food vendors regarding ingredients. Our vendors are prepared to provide this information to ensure the safety and satisfaction of all our guests.

Indeed, Melbourne Diwali is a cashless event. All vendors will accept a range of cashless payment methods for a smooth and convenient transaction experience.

Edit Content

There are many ways to get involved! You can participate as a performer, vendor, community group, or volunteer. Check out our “Participation” page for more information and application forms.

 

Yes, we welcome volunteers to help make the festival a success. We have various roles available, from event setup to guest services. Visit our “Volunteer” page to learn more and apply.

 

We’re always looking for talented performers to showcase their skills at Melbourne Diwali. Please fill out the performer application form on our “Participation” page.

 

  • If you’d like to sell food, merchandise,  other goods or services at the festival, please complete the Stall application form on our “Participation” page.

 

Edit Content

Please Visit the Sponsorship page – Provide the link to the sponsors page here

  • Why are such huge discounts given to exiting supporters but not new supporters?
    • We believe in rewarding loyalty. We can not forget any individual, corporates or businesses that have helped us reach this stage. It is our time to give back and we shall continue on this path.
    • We suggest you join us this year to ensure that you get the same treatment in future. We reward loyalty.
  • At the moment we are trying hard to ensure that we can raise money to cover our costs. We are a charity ourselves and rely on donations and support. In fact, it will be great to be able to raise more money so that we can add more features to the event and make it memorable.
  • However, if you are a local business who have worked with us in the past, please get in touch with us at SME@MelbourneDiwali.com.au and we can discuss possibilities.
  • If you are a member of the Docklands Chamber of Commerce or City Precincts, please contact your leadership. We work closely with them and are planning a special package for their members.
  • That’s great thinking. It is generally a good idea to have some giveaway to attract people to your stand. We will encourage that. Please check our packages to see what is suitable for you.
  • Please note that providing any food item can be tricky and you will need to work with Marvel Stadium Events and/or Catering team. Get in touch with us and we will work with you through the process.
  • When I sponsor, will I be sponsoring the whole event i.e. all days, all venues and all activities or is it for particular day?
  • All sponsors are sponsors for the Melbourne Diwali event.
  • Sponsors will have greater access to certain events, depending on their involvement and interest.
  • The Sponsor’s Lounge is to acknowledge and support the generous leaders of the community who make such events possible. They come from all walks of life, and it is important to make them feel welcome.
  • The Lounge is akin to the Airport Lounge. Where ticket holders will be able to get in and out at anytime.
  • The Lounge will also host Business Connect and Political Engagements activities.
  • It is undecided yet, but most likely it may not be a kid friendly space due to various forums, panels and discussions taking place there.
  • This area will have a capacity of about 300.
  • We are yet to fully articulate the format of this Lounge, but we believe in inclusion. We are in discussions with the Stadium authorities. We hope to make it accessible for everyone. We hope we can keep the costs limited to between $100 to $150 per ticket.
  • Please note that other than this area, all other areas at the Stadium Square, Gates 2 and 3, across 2 levels will be accessible for all.
  • How does Political Engagement look like?
    • We believe that it is important to build bridges with people in authority and ordinary residents. Diwali is a perfect opportunity to discuss community successes and concerns with people with influence.
    • We will remain nonpartisan and invite members from all major parties. We have already sent invitations to the Lord Mayor, local State and Federal MP’s, Premier and Leader of Opposition in Victoria.
    • We have also invited Consulate General of India.
    • Many prominent members of our community have also been invited.
Edit Content

The event in general will be active with many lights, sounds and movements. It may be disturbing to pets. We will update this section soon.

  • 16 October – Launch and Business meet and greet for sponsors – About 150 business and community leaders.
  • 9th and 10th November – The District Docklands events are primarily targetted at local Docklands community. We will be working closely with local schools specially The Docklands Primary School. We expected about 2000 families to participate in activities over 2 days.
  • 11 November – @Marvel we expect about 6000 individuals to participate.
  • For reference – last year we had about 5100 people on main event day. The venue was a small park in Docklands. This year we have a much larger, better and covered venue.
  • We believe that it is important to build bridges with people in authority and ordinary residents. Diwali is a perfect opportunity to discuss community successes and concerns with people with influence.
  • We will remain nonpartisan and invite members from all major parties. We have already sent invitations to the Lord Mayor, local State and Federal MP’s, Premier and Leader of Opposition in Victoria.
  • We have also invited Consulate General of India.
  • Many prominent members of our community have also been invited.
  • We are changing the format this year. Last year we planned the event for about 2000 people with enough food and toys to serve them. However we received over 5100 people. Due to constant rains it became difficult for us to provide enough food for all. Over 80 volunteers from the two temples worked for days to provide temple food and as is cultural they love to feed people. We ran out of food by about 7PM. It was very sad. We also had to ration toys. Everyone was given a toy, over 1800 kids were given toys from Lego and other brands but the management of distribution became a challenge.
  • We have learnt from it and decided to instead invest our energies and resources to make the experience better.
  • The event on 11 Nov is now going to be professionally managed by Marvel Stadium professionals. They will be managing all vendors compliances, stage, sound, lights, security, cleaning etc.
  • With the help of The District Docklands some free workshops will still happen. Mainly Mehendi, Dance and Indian Street Food Cooking.
  • Pottery painting will not be free as pots are very difficult to secure. We are also trying to bring in a professional Aboriginal artist to conduct workshops. We are yet to finalise the price but it will be between $65 to $110 per family. The participant will be able to pick a Terracotta Vase, learn about Aboriginal art, decorate it with Diwali message and take it home. The vases are premium quality from Bonnie and Neal collection. Sample here: Bonnie & Neil Terracotta Vase – Village Home & Gifts (villagehomeandgifts.com.au) We are in discussions with businesses who may subsidise these workshops and we will get details by first week of October.

You can reach us through the contact form on our website or by emailing us at info@melbournediwali.com.au. We'll be happy to answer any further questions you may

Outside food and drinks are not allowed, but we'll have a wide variety of food and beverage options available for purchase at the festival.