Happy Diwali at Helensburgh temple

Diwali (Divali or Deepawali) is a religious festival of lights and an important celebration in the Hindu calendar. The timing of the festival is related to the lunar calendar, with this year’s celebrations centring around Monday, 24 October.

Diwali traditions vary depending on culture and custom, but often include the lighting of diyas, or earthenware lamps, colourful decoration of houses and businesses, and the sharing of food with family, friends and neighbours.

Wollongong's Hindu population is increasing, having risen from about 1300 to 2000 in the past five years, according to ABS statistics. The Keiraville/Gwynneville area has the highest number of people of Indian ancestry.

Helensburgh is home to one of the most significant Hindu temples in the southern hemisphere – the Sri Venkateswara Temple (SVT). The idea for constructing a temple at this site, chosen for its divine surroundings of coastline and forest, began in 1978 and the temple was consecrated in 1985.

SVT is the first Hindu temple in Australia to be built according to traditional Hindu architecture principles. It is frequented by local, statewide, interstate and international Hindus. The temple also welcomes non-Hindu visitors.

There are many ceremonies or pooja for practising Hindus at the temple. Lakshmi Kubera Pooja on Deepavali Day will be celebrated leading up to Monday, 24 October.

The temple has a vegetarian canteen, which is open on weekends and public holidays. SVT also hosts weddings and other events.

For more information, how to visit, conditions of entry and temple and canteen hours, go to the SVT website

Watch the Flame's film featuring temple canteen volunteers here