The Launch
The invitation-only event that opens the Melbourne Diwali season.Launch Sponsor: Indus.
Friday 9 October 2026 · Queen's Hall, Parliament House, Spring Street, East Melbourne
on the record
Saturday 31 October 2026, 2pm to 10pm, at Marvel Stadium Square, Docklands. Free entry, alcohol free and family focused.
“Saturday, 31st of October at Marvel Stadium Square.”
Source: Festival record (Launch recording)
Make light from what you have.
Source: Festival record (MC script and Launch recording)
Three groups: Juniors 12 and under, Teens 13 to 17, and Adults 18 and over.
“A 7 year old and a grandparent can be dancing and competing at the same time.”
Source: Festival record (Launch recording)
Fortune Foods presents masterclasses with Kishwar Chowdhury at 4pm and 6pm on festival day.
Source: Festival record (Launch recording)
Giveaways and handball skills at Marvel Stadium Square.
Source: Festival record (Launch recording)
the programme
Blessings
Blessings and a one-minute meditation to open the afternoon
MCs
Acknowledgement of Country, welcome, and MCs for the afternoon
“Welcome to the Melbourne Diwali 2026 Launch.”
CEO, Melbourne Diwali
Opening
“A place where young people build skills, where talent finds its stage.”
Member for Broadmeadows, Parliament of Victoria
Address, launching Melbourne Diwali 2026
“Light overcomes darkness, knowledge overcomes ignorance, and hope endures through the difficult times.”
Parliament of Victoria
Diwali wishes
Dance Competition Judge, Melbourne Diwali
The 2026 dance competition
“A 7 year old and a grandparent can be dancing and competing at the same time.”
Fortune Foods, Major Partner
For Fortune Foods, with a Fortune Foods colleague, including the Kishwar Chowdhury masterclasses on festival day
ANZ, Supporting Partner
Simonds Homes, Supporting Partner
Little India Traders Association, Community Partner
Bharat Ko Janiye
Bharat Ko Janiye, an initiative of India's Ministry of External Affairs
French-Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Richmond Football Club
“Lots of giveaways, opportunities to test your handball skills.”
Founder and CEO, Indus, Launch Sponsor
“India is going to be the largest source of growth over the next 20 years.”
Moderated by Sheba Nandkeolyar, Founder and CEO, MultiConnexions Group
Cr Abhishek Awasthi, Councillor, Kennington Ward, City of Greater Bendigo; Cr Pradeep Tiwari, Councillor, Bluestone Ward, Maribyrnong City Council; Cr Talwinder Kaur, Deputy Mayor, Ararat Rural City Council; Cr Shivali Chatley, Councillor, Axedale Ward, City of Greater Bendigo. Four first-term councillors of Indian origin from across Victoria, on community leadership.
“Engage with your community. Do whatever you can do with your community.”
Australian College of The Arts
Poster creation and meaning: the Launch poster, made by hand
“I will be celebrating Diwali and not Halloween this year, that's for sure.”
Melbourne Diwali
Vote of thanks
“This is a platform to bring communities and bring groups together.”
Flute
A flute performance to close the programme
The group photograph and networking followed.
guests
Organisations present on the programme and among the guests. Listed alphabetically.
photographs
30 photographs
with thanks
Venue: Queen's Hall, Parliament House, with thanks to the Parliament of Victoria. Photography and video: students of the Australian College of The Arts (Collarts). Launch poster: Emma Clarke. Launch Sponsor: Indus. Produced by Melbourne Diwali.
If you notice any errors or omissions, please email ggupta@melbournediwali.com.au.