It’s the second year the Opera House has been lit up in a golden orange to mark the event, known as Diwali or Deepavali, celebrated by the global Indian community.
The festival has spiritual significance to Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains. It’s also been embraced by Australians wanting to celebrate multiculturalism.
Consul General of India, Sunjay Sudhir says the lighting up of the Opera House sends a 'powerful message' to Australia's Indian community.
"It's the sense of having the best of both worlds," he said.
"Divali has origins in Hinduism, but today Divali is celebrated by people of all denominations. This sense of celebration cuts across all communities."
lights up for Diwali
— Brianna Roberts (@BriannaNEWS)
NSW Premier Mike Baird says the festival has come to be recognised, and embraced, by Australians of all backgrounds.
“The story is one that resonates very clearly - light over darkness, goodness over evil, so it's something that all of us can understand and a great thing to celebrate and to aspire to.
Diwali or Deepavali means “row of lights” and its tradition for families celebrating the event to light up ‘Diyas’ (lamps or candles) , representing the victory of good over evil, or light over darkness.
It’s also considered an auspicious time to buy cars, homes and jewellery. That’s because it’s a festival celebrating Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth.
The Sydney Opera House has been lit up in a golden orange from 8pm tonight and will remain illuminated until midnight.
