Swan Festival of Lights :: An Introduction
Since 2008, the Swan Festival of Lights has been setting the Perth foreshore alight with a multitude of colours, rhythms and flavours. The smoke and alcohol-free event organised by the non-profit organisations The Temple of Fine Arts and Annalakshmi Cultural Centre of WA uses the unifying theme of 'light' to bring together and celebrate Western Australia's cultural diversity through dance, music and cuisine.
With support from the City of Perth, Lotterywest, SmokeFree WA and the Bell Tower, the 2010 Festival saw a diverse range of local and international artists take the stage over four days. From traditional Aboriginal performances, to classical and folk Indian items to lively Belly Dancing, audiences were enthralled with what they saw anticipating the occurrence of the event this year.
The 2011 Festival will be held from 21st to the 22nd of October at the Supreme Court Gardens on Riverside Drive in the heart of the Perth CBD. Making the most of our new location, the festival is planned to be bigger and better than previous years.
This year's event will showcase everything from the Chinese dancers to the vibrant Ukrainian Cossack dancers. There will also be a variety of food stalls, serving a delectable, mouth-watering spread of vegetarian cuisine prepared by Annalakshmi on the Swan.
Wear something warm, bring a throw rug, sit back, relax and enjoy what we have to offer under the blanket of the beautiful Perth night sky.
The Theme
The symbol of Light is a recurring theme in almost every culture in the world symbolising hope, peace, harmony, knowledge, joy, truth and most of all, unity.
The timing of the Swan Festival of Lights coincides with the Indian festival of Deepavali (Diwali). While it is popularly known as the "festival of lights", the most significant spiritual meaning of Deepavali is "the awareness of the inner light."
Just as we celebrate the birth of our physical being, Deepavali is the celebration of the Inner Light that resides in all of us. And Indians around the world observe this through celebration, festive fireworks, lights, flowers, sharing of sweets, and worship.
With the awakening of our Inner Light comes universal compassion, love, and the awareness of the oneness above all. Though it may appear different on the outside because of our heritage and background, we are all sustained and guided by the same Inner Light. In essence, the Festival strengthens and celebrates that bond which connects us, through music, dance and art.
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