SBS is encouraging all Australians to celebrate Diwali, Deepavali, Bandi Chhor Diwas and Tihar with a distinctive content line-up to mark the Indian sub-continental Festivals of Lights.
It is celebrated by over a billion people around the world – including more than a million Australians.
To showcase the diversity of the celebration and increase cultural understanding, specially curated programming through October includes documentaries, dramas, movies, food programs and recipes across the SBS network.
SBS Radio’s language programs, including SBS Bangla, Gujarati, Hindi, Malayalam, Nepali, Punjabi and Tamil, will deliver a wealth of content across radio and digital platforms, engaging with audiences to hear how Australians are celebrating Diwali in 2022.
Enjoy interviews, videos, articles, podcasts and competitions, as well as social engagement and talkback with SBS’s diverse language communities.
This includes an explainer article on the diversity of celebrations translated into several languages; a comprehensive guide to Diwali festivals around Australia; a Rangoli art culture and tradition video; recipes by India Unplated chef Sandeep Pandit and celebrity Indian Chef Damu; a podcast about the Diwali-themed coins launched in Australia; and special Diwali greetings videos from the broader SBS Radio team.
On the actual day of Diwali (24 October), the music channel SBS PopDesi will bring the best of Bollywood and classical hits from 3 pm to 5 pm.
SBS managing director, James Taylor, said: “The Festivals of Lights – Diwali, Deepavali, Bandi Chhor Diwas and Tihar – are significant events celebrated by a billion people worldwide, including a million Australians.
“Traditionally signifying the victory of good over evil, it’s a time for giving thanks and wishing others good health and prosperity.
“We’re excited to be marking the occasion with specially curated content right across SBS, inviting all Australians to come together to experience and learn about Diwali, increase cultural understanding, and celebrate Australia’s rich diversity.”
SBS On Demand will showcase a broad offering across food, travel, lifestyle and 25+ movies ranging from Bollywood and biography to romance and comedy, in Hindi, Punjabi and English.
From 24 October to 4 November, SBS Food prime time will be a feast for the eyes and tastebuds with David Rocco’s Dolce India series 1 and 2 (5pm), while acclaimed Indian-Australian chefs Helly Raichura, Adam D’Sylva and Sandeep Pandit celebrate the diversity of Indian cuisine, including an episode dedicated to Diwali sweets, in India Unplated (6pm).
SBS Food will also feature videos on Instagram and TikTok, as well as ‘Diwali at Home’ and Kashmiri Kitchen’ recipes on their website.
