MEDIA RELEASE - 29 October 2026
Cairns Diwali Mela 2026 Draws More Than 5,000 People to Fogarty Park
Cairns Diwali Mela returned to Fogarty Park on Saturday 24 October, drawing more than 5,000 people for an evening of culture, food, music, performances and community celebration.
More than 5,000 people filled Fogarty Park on Saturday 24 October for Cairns Diwali Mela 2026, an extraordinary turnout for the community celebration in only its second year.
Presented by Cairns Hindu Samaj Inc. (CHS), the Mela brought together people from across Cairns and beyond for an evening of cultural performances, music, food, entertainment and fireworks celebrating Diwali, the Festival of Lights.
For organisers, one of the strongest signs of the event’s growing place in Cairns was not simply the size of the crowd, but the level of support from the wider community.
Cairns Hindu Samaj President Chaitali Nayak said the Mela was created as an opportunity to both celebrate and share Diwali with the wider Cairns community.
“Diwali Mela was created not only to celebrate our traditions, but to share them with the whole Cairns community,” Ms Nayak said.
“To see more than 5,000 people from so many different backgrounds celebrating together was incredibly special.”
CHS Secretary Kumi Sharma said community involvement had been particularly encouraging this year.
“One of the biggest changes we noticed this year was that people were coming to us asking how they could be involved, whether that was sponsoring the event, volunteering, contributing prizes or supporting it in other ways,” Ms Sharma said.
“For an event in only its second year, that was incredibly encouraging. It showed us that people genuinely wanted to be part of it.”
The Mela also attracted participation from beyond Cairns, including stallholder Renu Sharma, who travelled from Townsville to take part.
“We came from Townsville to be part of the Diwali Mela and had a really positive experience. The event was well organised, and it gave us a great opportunity to meet new people and introduce our business to the Cairns community,” Ms Sharma said.
Attendee Lisa Diggins said the event had created a welcoming celebration for the wider Cairns community.
“It was wonderful to see so many people from across Cairns come together to celebrate Diwali,” Ms Diggins said.
“There was such a welcoming atmosphere, and the performances, food and entertainment made it an enjoyable evening for the whole community. Events like this are a great reflection of the diversity we have in Cairns.”
Terry James MP officially opened the Cairns Diwali Mela, representing Premier David Crisafulli and Minister for Multicultural Affairs Fiona Simpson.
Reflecting on the event afterwards, Mr James said events such as Cairns Diwali Mela played an important role in bringing people together, strengthening community connections and showcasing the cultures that enrich Far North Queensland.
“Our diversity is one of our greatest strengths,” Mr James said.
The Mela received funding through Cairns Regional Council’s Community Partnerships Grant and the Queensland Government’s Celebrating Multicultural Queensland Grant Program. Local sponsors, businesses, community organisations and volunteers also supported the event.
About Cairns Hindu Samaj Inc.
Cairns Hindu Samaj Inc. (CHS) is a community organisation supporting Cairns’ Hindu community and creating opportunities to celebrate and share Hindu culture, traditions and festivals with the wider community.
Event Photography
Relive some of the highlights from Cairns Diwali Mela 2026 through our official event photography.
Photography: Maggie, Whisper Lens Studio
Media Coverage
Cairns Diwali Mela 2026 has been featured in Australian media:
The Indian SunCairns Diwali Mela draws more than 5,000 people in second year Read the story →
The Times AustraliaFrom Community Celebration to 5,000-Strong Festival: Cairns Embraces Diwali Mela Read the story →
Media Enquiries
Kumi Sharma
Secretary
Cairns Hindu Samaj Inc.
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