Media Release
POWERHOUSE CASTLE HILL LIGHTS UP FOR DIWALI
Diwali at Powerhouse Castle Hill returns Saturday 25 October with a free, public day of performances, tours, rangoli and diya decorating, food and more presented by Powerhouse in collaboration with the Consulate General of India, Sydney and the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre.
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is a major cultural event for Australia’s Indian diaspora. Derived from the Sanskrit word dipavali, meaning ‘row of lights’, Diwali is an annual festival celebrated by the Hindu, Jain and Sikh communities to symbolise the triumph of light over darkness.
Powerhouse Castle Hill will showcase the best of Indian dance forms with local performance groups taking to the stage. Ruchi Sanghi Dance Company will start the celebrations with a Kathak performance, telling the stories of Hindu epics through song and dance. Family-owned dance studio Nisha Mannath & Team will follow with Indian folk dances, before Kalankan Dance Academy and Thrayee showcases three Indian classical dances; Mohiniyattam, Kathak and Bharatnatyam. Bollywood performances by Groove Dance Academy and Bhangra dances from Raunakaan Bhangra Group will light up the venue in the afternoon.
In a new addition to this year’s program, Powerhouse Collection staff will host tours that highlight objects in the collection related to light. Visitors will explore the concept of light across history and culture with collection objects spanning from an oil lamp from Ancient Pompei to an anatomical model illustrating how the human eye comes to see light.
Celebrated children’s author Sheena Garg will read a selection of children’s stories, including her latest book on Diwali and rangoli art, followed by a hands-on workshop crafting rangoli artworks and paper diya resembling small, cup-shaped oil lamps.
Indian street food restaurant Chatkazz will serve a range of traditional Indian sweets and savouries onsite.
Powerhouse Chief Executive Lisa Havilah said ‘We are thrilled to partner with Consulate General of India, Sydney and the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre to celebrate Diwali for a second year. Powerhouse Castle Hill will transform for the festival of lights, with a vibrant lineup of Indian talent and objects from the Powerhouse Collection.’
Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre Director Niyati Mehta said, 'The Consulate General of India, Sydney and the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre are delighted to partner with Powerhouse again this year for Diwali at Powerhouse Castle Hill. We welcome you to join us in celebrating Diwali with your family and friends for a wonderful day of Indian culture.’
Diwali at Powerhouse Castle Hill will run from 11-3pm. Registrations are required.
To view the full program visit: http://bit.ly/4mcdyFE
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About Powerhouse
Powerhouse sits at the intersection of arts, design, science and technology and plays a critical role in engaging communities with contemporary ideas and issues. We are undertaking a landmark $1.2 billion infrastructure renewal program, spearheaded by the creation of the new museum, Powerhouse Parramatta; expanded research and public facilities at Powerhouse Castle Hill; the renewal of the iconic Powerhouse Ultimo; and the ongoing operation of Sydney Observatory. The museum is custodian to over half a million objects of national and international significance and is considered one of the finest and most diverse collections in Australia. We are also undertaking an expansive digitisation project that will provide new levels of access to the Powerhouse Collection.
About Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre
Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre was established by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Government of India to build and promote cultural relations between India and Australia. Its objective is to share India’s rich and vibrant culture and foster closer cultural bridges between India and Australia. From music and dance, to art and literature, the Centre offers a vibrant range of activities and events.