It was lit up for for the first time for 4 hours on Oct 21
Sydney Opera House lighted up for Diwali. (Photo: DC)
Thiruvananthapuram: Diwali reached the Sydney Opera House for the first time when it was lit up for four hours from 8.30 p.m. on the night of October 21. This was following a decision taken by the New South Wales provincial government of Australia in a clear sign that the Indian diaspora had begun to exert its influence in the multi-cultural city, according to Sydney-based Malayali businessman, Bini Sathyan.
The Opera House used to host festivals of different countries but there was no representation for Indians so far, said Mr Sathyan who had arrived in Sydney with his family only this January. “Though there is a strong Indian community that celebrates our festivals, including Onam, there have been no cultural exchanges,” he said.
During Diwali, one of his friends told him that the Opera House would be lighted up for Diwali. Mr Sathyan used to take photographs of the Opera House at different times. “So they wanted me to photograph the lighting,” he said.
The Chinese diaspora has a large presence there with their shops and establishments and many Chinese events are celebrated there. Also, the Australian economy thrives mainly on business with China.
Though film festivals of many countries are held there, there is nothing from India. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to arrive in Australia for the G20 summit, there was renewed interest in the country about India Mr Sathyan said.
( Source : dc correspondent )
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