NORTH East Multicultural Association (NEMA) exceeded expectations with this year’s Diwali celebrations, with around double the number of people they had attending last year.

This year, around 200 people gathered at the Victoria Community Church Hall on November 5 to celebrate the Hindu festival of light.

Event organiser, Kulvir Kaur, said it was refreshing to see people from so many different cultures join in the celebrations.

“On the day, there were people of so many different nationalities who asked a lot of questions about Diwali,” she said.

“It brings everyone together and lets people learn and respect different cultures.”

Ms Kaur said highlights from the night included celebrating the local Indian community and the food and entertainment on the day.

NEMA outreach worker, Faryal Khan, said the night wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of the community members and sponsors who brought it together.

“A heartfelt thank you to Masala Corner for providing delicious food enjoyed by all,” she said.

“The performances by Shalika and Shanika truly illuminated the evening, adding an extra spark to the celebration.

“And to DJ Francis, thank you for making the journey from Melbourne each year to join us and keep the festivities lively with your music."

Another sponsor they would like to thank for supporting them is Advance Motel Wangaratta.

After the success of this year’s event, Ms Kaur said they are planning to have another Diwali gathering next year.

“This time next year we want to make it bigger and better and we’ll hopefully have support from sponsors again,” she said.