Kapil Dev has been living in Sydney for eight years and says Diwali is organised by his mostly Muslim friends each year.
Diwali, Deepavali, Bandi Chhor Diwas and Tihar are all festivals of light and hope, celebrated by over a billion people around the world, mainly from the Indian subcontinent.
"Being away from family, when your friends step forward and organise such an event, celebrating it as if it were their own festival, it becomes incredibly meaningful," he said.
"For me, it’s significant that they, as Muslims, go the extra mile for their Hindu friend, arranging everything with the care and support of a brother."
Dev said the most "precious" occasion was last year as it was the first Diwali he celebrated after marrying his wife, Usha Kumari.
"It felt like we were a complete family now. Every friend of mine was there with their partners and it felt like we were part of a big family," Dev said.
Usha said she had been delighted to see Dev's friends pitch in to hold Diwali.
"When they made rangoli (creating patterns on floors or table tops) with me, it cheered me up as I always used to do rangoli alone in Pakistan," she said.
Dev's friends also helped her to prepare food and decorate the house for Diwali.
Despite not having met her husband's friends before coming to Australia, she said they took care of everything for her.
"They always told me how to do things and helped me prepare the food of my choice," she added.
'We are part of a big family'
Dev said the celebration by his friends every year had made him feel like part of a huge family that celebrated and enjoyed events with him.
"When everyone is enjoying the same way as you are enjoying the event then you can feel that you all are the same and part of a big family. You do not think that you are different," he said.
Usha agreed, saying she hadn't felt the absence of her immediate family.
"I haven't felt that I am far away from my family. (Our friends) made the celebration so good that it felt like I was among my family," she said.
The couple said they were enjoying Diwali this year.
"I want to make this Diwali memorable so it creates an indelible imprint in our hearts," Dev said.
The rangoli created by Usha and her new friends. Credit: Kapil Dev
"It's not about why should I do (it), it's about coming forward and doing it for others," he said.
"I believe that helping others without expecting anything in return is essential.
"It’s how we can make this world, as well as Diwali, a truly meaningful and joyous (experience)."
