Brisbane Lights Up for Deepavali 2025: Thousands Attend City’s Biggest Festival of Lights
Brisbane,
October 6, 2025
Brisbane was bathed in colour, music, and spiritual celebration on Sunday night as thousands of families came together at Rocklea Showgrounds to mark Deepavali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, in what was one of the city’s largest multicultural gatherings of the year.
Organised by the Hindu Council of Australia (Queensland Chapter), the Deepavali 2025 celebration welcomed people from all walks of life to honour the timeless message of the festival the victory of light over darkness, and good over evil.
From a grand Ganesh Pooja to a jaw-dropping fireworks finale, the five-hour event offered a vibrant mix of devotion, culture, food, and fun with free entry for all.
A Celebration of Culture and Community
The festivities began at 4:00 PM with an auspicious Ganesh Pooja, setting a spiritual tone for the evening. Local dignitaries, spiritual leaders, and community representatives took part in the ceremony, which was conducted with traditional Vedic chanting and offerings, inviting blessings for peace and prosperity.
“This is a festival that belongs to everyone,” said Deepa Subramaniam, one of the event organisers. “Deepavali is about bringing light into our lives, and this evening, we saw Brisbane shine with joy, unity, and cultural pride.”
The celebration featured a full lineup of cultural performances, including classical Indian dances, Bollywood fusion, live music, and a traditional Garba dance that had hundreds of attendees joining in. For many first-time attendees, the Garba circle was a highlight showcasing the inclusiveness and energy of Indian culture.
As the sun set, excitement built for the Ravan Dahan a symbolic burning of a 30-foot effigy of Ravana, the mythological demon king. The dramatic scene was cheered by the crowd, representing the eternal triumph of good over evil, a core message of Deepavali.
Shortly after, the sky erupted in a stunning fireworks display, illuminating the entire Rocklea Showgrounds and leaving children and adults alike in awe.
Food was another major attraction of the evening, with dozens of stalls offering authentic Indian street food from samosas and dosas to jalebis and kulfi. The aroma of spices and sweets filled the air, adding to the sensory celebration.
The event wasn’t just for the Indian diaspora it attracted people of diverse backgrounds, reflecting Brisbane’s growing multicultural fabric. Families, students, seniors, and young children mingled freely, sharing food, stories, and dance under the festival lights.
“This is my first Deepavali and I’m absolutely blown away,” said Sarah Johnson, a local Brisbane resident. “The energy, the colours, the meaning behind the traditions it’s such a beautiful way to bring people together.”
Volunteers and members of the Hindu Council of Australia – QLD Team worked tirelessly behind the scenes to manage crowds, coordinate stage performances, and support vendors ensuring a smooth, safe, and welcoming experience for all.
The organisers extended heartfelt thanks to the local council, community sponsors, volunteers, and the Queensland Police Service, who helped ensure a safe and successful event.
“This Deepavali wasn’t just a celebration,” said event coordinator Rajesh Mehta. “It was a reminder that harmony, tradition, and inclusion can co-exist beautifully. We are proud to share our culture and even prouder to see the community embrace it.”
With glowing lamps in hand and hearts full of joy, Brisbane’s diverse community left with one shared sentiment the light within us is brighter when we celebrate together.
