Ashwini Saseedaran of Saraswati Mahavidhyalaya and Annalakshmi Cultural Centre of WA gives Scoop the lowdown on the best way to spend a day at the Swan Festival of Lights 2017.
Hosted by non-profit and volunteer-run institutions Saraswati Mahavidhyalaya and Annalakshmi Cultural Centre of WA, the
Swan Festival of Lights has been showcasing the colourfully joyous Indian festival Deepavali or Diwali since 2008. Read on for the lowdown on how you can spend an evening in celebration of this year’s featured state of Punjab.
4:30pm: Head down to the Supreme Court Gardens to kick off the festivities with turban tying, reiki, henna tattoos and camel rides. Then walk on over to the Punjab Experience tent to learn more about the state’s history, traditions, sights, geography and culture.
4:45pm: Join Yoga Australia near the main stage for a workshop and learn a few yoga poses and breathing exercises to take home and practice in the comfort of your own home.
5:15pm: Harness your inner dancer and learn even more about Punjab’s moves by participating in the bhangra workshop.
5:30pm: Having gotten into the groove of things, continue the fun and keep shaking with a Bollywood dance workshop teaching you the hip-twisting and glamorous shakes of our favourite films.
5:45pm: After all that dancing, renew your energy by heading to the food stalls and indulging in some vegetarian Indian soul-food. Try out North Indian street food chaat, South Indian lentil savoury crepe dosa, Malaysian-inspired nasi lemak and mee goreng while gulping down some fresh mango lassi or sipping on some delicious masala chai.
6:15pm: With the performances about to begin, watch out for the procession of dancers and artists as they make their grand entrance throughout the grounds.
6:30pm: Find a quiet spot with a good view of the stage and settle in for a night under the stars immersing yourself in multicultural performances.
8:50pm: Look up at our beautiful Perth sky as fireworks light up the night to truly celebrate the festival of lights.
9:00pm: For all of you there on Saturday night, get ready for Bhangra Under the Stars, a mass dance full of powerful beats and fun moves where the audience will be invited to participate in what is set to be Perth’s biggest outdoor public dance performance.
The Swan Festival of Lights will be at the Supreme Court Gardens from October 13-15. Find out more.