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Diwali Celebrations in Melbourne, Australia 2025: A Complete Guide
embrace the Festival of Lights with Unity in Diversity – The Voice of Hindus Worldwide
The Spirit of Diwali in Melbourne
Diwali 2025, the radiant Festival of Lights symbolizing the victory of good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and light over darkness, will once again illuminate Melbourne and Greater Melbourne with spiritual brilliance and multicultural harmony.
For followers of Sanatana Dharma—and the wider Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist communities—Diwali in Australia has evolved from humble home pujas of the 1980s into grand public spectacles. Today, it represents not just devotion, but a celebration of Australia’s cultural diversity.
Home to over 200,000 South Asians, suburbs like Dandenong, Clayton, and Sunshine’s “Little India” have become epicentres of festive joy, filled with lights, music, and prayers. From Federation Square fireworks to temple rituals and rangoli art, Melbourne blends its iconic laneway culture with timeless Hindu traditions.
This year, Diwali falls on Monday, October 20, 2025, with festivities spanning October 18–23 (from Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj).
Expect mild spring weather (12–22°C), festive tram crowds, and lively community events. Carry sunscreen by day, a light jacket by night, and plan travel early for a seamless celebration.
Diwali 2025 Dates and Auspicious Timings (Melbourne AEST)
| Day | Date (2025) | Significance | Key Rituals & Timings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dhanteras (Dhanvantari Trayodashi) | Oct 18 (Sat) | Worship of Lord Dhanvantari & Goddess Lakshmi for health and wealth; auspicious shopping. | Puja: 6:30 AM–8:00 AM · Shopping: until 6:30 PM |
| Narak Chaturdashi (Chhoti Diwali) | Oct 19 (Sun) | Marks Krishna’s victory over Narakasura; symbolic oil baths. | Yama Tarpan: 5:30–6:00 PM · Diya lighting in evening |
| Diwali (Amavasya / Lakshmi Puja) | Oct 20 (Mon) | Celebrates Rama’s return to Ayodhya & Lakshmi’s divine presence. | Lakshmi Puja: 7:08–8:18 PM |
| Govardhan Puja (Annakut) | Oct 21 (Tue) | Commemorates Krishna’s Govardhan miracle and gratitude to nature. | Puja: 7:00–9:00 AM · Balipratipada / Gujarati New Year |
| Bhai Dooj (Yam Dwitiya) | Oct 22 (Wed) | Honors sibling bonds—Yamraj and Yami’s reunion. | Tilak Ceremony: 9:00–11:00 AM |
Tip: Use the Drik Panchang App for precise local muhurat. Clean your home, create rangolis, and light diyas to welcome Goddess Lakshmi’s divine grace.
Top Diwali Events in Melbourne 2025
Melbourne’s festive calendar shines across temples, community centers, and open-air stages. Here are the must-attend celebrations this year:
1. Diwali Festival at Federation Square
📅 Oct 18 (Sat) · 🕔 5:00–10:00 PM
📍 Federation Square, Swanston Street, Melbourne CBD
✨ Details: The city’s signature Diwali celebration with over 15,000 attendees. Experience Bollywood dance, garba, fireworks, rangoli contests, henna art, and authentic Indian cuisine. Free entry with the Yarra River aglow in light projections.
2. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Diwali Maha Utsav
📅 Oct 18–21 (Multi-day) · 🕘 9:00 AM–9:00 PM
📍 61 Srimad Rajchandra Drive, Mill Park
🌼 Highlights: Grand Lakshmi Puja, Annakut feast, bhajans, and light shows. Australia’s largest Swaminarayan temple, offering spiritual serenity and divine prasad.
3. Dandenong Diwali Night Market
📅 Oct 19 (Sun) · 🕓 4:00–9:00 PM
📍 Walker Street, Dandenong (Little India)
🎉 Experience: Dhol parades, sari stalls, desi street food, diya lighting, and cultural dances transforming “Little India” into a glowing bazaar of devotion.
4. Sri Venkateswara Temple Diwali Celebrations
📅 Oct 20 (Mon) · 🕕 6:00–10:00 PM
📍 32–34 Hartnett Drive, Seaford
🕉️ Details: Homams, aarti, South Indian bhajans, and community dinner. A sacred setting for spiritual reflection.
5. Clayton Diwali Mela
📅 Oct 25 (Sat) · 🕑 2:00–8:00 PM
📍 Clayton Community Centre or Park
💃 Details: Family-friendly mela with music, dance, kids’ rangoli, and food trucks. Celebrates the youthful Diwali spirit near Monash University.
6. Garba & Raas Nights
Oct 17–19 (Fri–Sun) · 🌙 Evenings
Convention halls & community centers
Details: Dandiya under the lights with live DJs and traditional beats. Tickets $10–30 AUD. Dress code: vibrant ethnic!
7. Temples Across Melbourne
Hindu Temple & Community Centre (Sunshine): Pujas and workshops, Oct 18–20.
ISKCON Melbourne (Albert Park): Govardhan Puja, kirtans, and feasts.
Jain Centre (Box Hill): Chopda Pujan and ahimsa-focused rituals.
8. Family & Kids’ Activities
Melbourne Museum Diwali Workshops – Oct 18; diya crafts and storytelling.
Queen Victoria Market Diwali Fair – Oct 19; Indian sweets and lantern-making.
Libraries Across Suburbs – Diya painting sessions for children.
9. Diwali Parties & Nightlife
Bollywood Diwali Bash @ The Palace – Oct 20; live DJs and Desi fusion.
Yarra River Diwali Dinner Cruise – Oct 18; skyline views and thali dining.
Desi Beats @ Basement – Oct 19; modern beats with festive flair.
Note: Fireworks use requires license. Use Myki for CBD travel and stay hydrated under Melbourne’s spring sun.
Cultural Experiences: Food, Shopping & Traditions
- Food: Relish rasmalai, mysore pak, and chaat at Dandenong stalls or temple prasad. Try Aussie-Indian fusion treats like vegemite samosas!
- Shopping: Buy gold and silver on Dhanteras in Clayton or Dandenong.
- Decor: Opt for eco-friendly diyas, solar lamps, and petal rangolis.
- Mantra for Prosperity: Chant “Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah” 108 times for abundance and peace.
Why Diwali in Melbourne Matters
From Federation Square’s urban sparkle to Dandenong’s community pulse, Melbourne’s Diwali embodies “Tamaso mā jyotir gamaya” — From darkness, lead me to light.
It reflects how Sanatana Dharma harmoniously adapts to global cultures, enriching Australia’s multicultural heart while preserving ancient traditions.
Happy Diwali! Shubh Deepavali!
May the light of Lakshmi and the blessings of Rama illuminate your homes, hearts, and horizons.
Sources: Drik Panchang, City of Melbourne, Visit Victoria, Eventbrite, temple committees, and organizers (as of October 16, 2025).
