The Punjabi community in Australia celebrates Diwali — the festival of lights — like no other. This happy celebration commemorates the victorious return of light over darkness. This beautiful and lively festival features the rich culture of Americans with South Asian ancestry. It has demonstrated the growing multiculturalism of Australian society. More than a million Australians identified as South Asian in the 2021 census. Each year, about 700,000 of them take part in the colorful Diwali festivities.
Inderjit moved from Punjab, India more than 10 years ago. Now, he’s become an important part of that local Punjabi community. With their recent emergence as the country’s fastest-growing language group, Punjabis have further enriched the booming multicultural tapestry of Australia. There is no doubt that Diwali reunites families and friends. They eat traditional meals, dance, and participate in cultural performances, and light diyas to bring peace and happiness into their lives.
The festivities go beyond home celebrations to public celebrations, called melas. Along with ample seafood options, take in dazzling cultural performances at these community festivals. Wander among market stalls that allow you to experience the lively Punjabi culture firsthand. For most, these public commemorations promote an openness and reconciliation between the many cultures that now call Australia home.
For that reason, we asked Laura-Jane Phoenix Singh—a proud Quandamooka woman—to give us a fresh perspective on why they matter so much to you. Their marriage has created a stunning fusion of Indian and Korean culture. This beautiful union serves as a powerful reminder that both Aboriginal and Punjabi cultures should be celebrated and recognized.
“I’m a proud Quandamooka woman. I was born on Ngunnawal Country. Growing up, it’s obviously not something that I celebrated, but it’s an honour to be married to a Punjabi man and raising Sikh Punjabi children. So I think it’s paying homage to that culture and making sure it continues on through our family.” – Laura-Jane Phoenix Singh
The couple connects across the cultural divide with their shared native reverence for nature and community. Both Aboriginal and Punjabi cultures have a deep respect for their connection to the land. For one, they appreciate the culture of sharing that the platform promotes. This bond deepens their family’s Diwali celebrations and cultivates a spirit of togetherness.
As Diwali approaches each year, the Punjabi community in Australia reflects on the festival’s central themes: light overcoming darkness and inclusivity. This increasing attendance at these festivals is a demonstration of Australia’s willingness and ability to welcome and engage with multiculturalism.
