Diwali Delights: A Celebration of Music, Community, and Mental Health Support
On the evening of October 25, the Toowong Uniting Church Hall in Brisbane came alive with colour, music, and heartfelt camaraderie as “Diwali Delights” brought together friends, families, and professionals from across Queensland to celebrate the Festival of Lights through art, food, and purpose.
Organised by Dr Siddhartha (Sid) Makwana, psychiatrist based in Toowoomba, the event was much more than a musical gathering — it was an act of giving and unity. With a blend of live performances, traditional delicacies, and community spirit, Diwali Delights raised $1,150 for the RANZCP Foundation, the charitable arm of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists. The Foundation translates donations into vital psychiatric research and initiatives that advance mental health and wellbeing across Australia and New Zealand.
The evening’s theme — Live Music, Food, and Fundraising — resonated beautifully with the audience of around 70 attendees, who enjoyed a rich program of performances spanning Bollywood classics, ghazals, Celtic instrumentals, English melodies, and an original piano composition. The event culminated in energetic dance numbers that filled the hall with joy and light.
Among the performers were:
Dr Sid Makwana – singer, keyboardist, harmonium player
Chandradeep Vankayalapati – guitar
Rajendra Prasad – tabla
Gar Macleman – guitar and vocals
Kari Berg – fiddle
Abhiraj Sarmah – singer and writer
Janani Jayalath, Luv and Preeti Dua, and Gyan Setu – vocals and instrumental support
The evening also featured inspiring speeches by Dr Cyril Fernandez (President, Indian Medical Association Queensland) and Dr Siddhartha Sarmah (IMAQ Secretary). The IMAQ community’s encouragement, particularly from Dr Fernandez and Dr Sarmah, played a central role in connecting health professionals and fostering collaboration beyond clinical settings.
Special thanks were also extended to the Silver Sponsors, James O’Donohue (Remax Success Team Elevate) and Aanand Iyer (Guru Property), whose generosity helped make the event possible. Delicious Indian fare catered by Namaste Foodies — including Masala Chai, Mango Lassi, Pani Puri, Chhole Bhature, and Samosa Chaat — added to the festive warmth of the evening.
Reflecting on the event, Dr Makwana shared his heartfelt gratitude:
“I am deeply thankful to my colleagues, musicians, friends, and supporters — from Toowoomba, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast — whose encouragement and participation made this vision a reality. Events like this remind us that healing and wellbeing come not only from medicine, but also from music, connection, and shared purpose.”
Diwali Delights was a luminous reminder that community, compassion, and creativity can come together to promote mental health and foster belonging — values that lie at the very heart of psychiatry and the broader medical profession.
