Punjabi Association of South Australia has decided to hold Diwali Festival in the centre of Adelaide city.
In a Facebook Post, the association’s president shared, “Punjabi association of South Australia Inc. is delighted to announce that Multicultural Diwali Mela will be held on 23rd of October 2016 from 2pm to 9pm at the Pinky Flat ,memorial drive Adelaide.”
Earlier, Campbelltown Council had rejected the association’s request to hold the festival at Thorndon Park in Campbelltown Council after two councillors vetoed the motion. These councillors have also been accused of making discriminatory remarks against the Indian community.
One of the councillors, John Kennedy told the meeting he had ‘grave concerns’ about council allowing the Punjabi Association’s use of the park.
"I'm not against multiculturalism, but ethnic groups do have a habit of hiding behind their language, as we have seen in recent years with certain groups in Campbelltown that have been here for many, many years," he said.
This rejection sparked a debate within the Indian Australian community, following which meetings were held and Campbelltown City Council re-offered the Thorndon Park to the Punjabi Association of South Australia provided they reduced the festival hours and not use fireworks.
The Association called these conditions, ‘disappointing’.
Association president Kuldip Chugha was quoted as s that without fireworks the festival could not go ahead in Adelaide.
"The decision to ban fireworks at the Diwali Festival known for its high energy, celebration and vibrant atmosphere is an absolute disappointment, without fireworks there's no festival," he said.
"We are very disappointed by the decision made by the Campbelltown City Council. It is an absolute disgrace and I am absolutely speechless," he said.
"On one side fireworks can be held at Thorndon Park on New Year's Day and Australia Day. On the other side, a community that has over 1,000 members in the Campbelltown City Council does not have the right to celebrate a festival with full energy.
"To me the council has made a discriminatory decision to ban fireworks."
The Association has zeroed in on another venue near Adelaide CBD and right next to Adelaide Oval. The event will now be held at Pinky Flat by the River Torrens in the city.
Mr. Chugha told ABC, "It's a public festival, it is open, it is free of charge. Everyone is welcome here — there will be lots of different types of music and there will be food stalls," he said.
The Punjabi Association has also demanded an apology from Campbelltown Council for the discriminatory remarks from two councillors at a previous meeting.
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