Diwali @ Mural returns to the Benalla Festival in 2026.
A free celebration of light, music and dance returns to Benalla on Monday, November 2.
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Featuring a brand new sensory garden, Diwali @ Mural will be hosted by the Benalla Migrant’s Association for the fourth consecutive year.
The event will take place from 6pm to 9.30pm at the Benalla Ceramic Mural.
Over the past three years, Diwali @ Mural has become one of the most anticipated cultural celebrations in the region and a major drawcard of the Benalla Festival, bringing thousands of locals and visitors to the lake precinct.
The event transforms the area into a dazzling showcase of light, music and community spirit, featuring traditional rangoli art, handcrafted diya lamps, lively performances and, last year, a mesmerising fireworks display that lit up the night sky with love hearts.
This year, the celebration takes a new and tactile direction.
There will be no art projections in 2026, instead, the BMA is creating a sensory garden designed to welcome adults and children with sensory needs, so that more members of the community can experience the magic of the Festival of Lights.
To help bring the garden to life, a community art and lantern-making workshop will be held on Saturday, October 24, from 10am to 12.30pm at the Benalla Visitor Information Centre.
Diwali @ Mural has become one of the most anticipated cultural celebrations in Benalla. Photo: Travis Palmieri.
Participants will create artwork and lanterns that will light up the sensory garden on the night.
The workshop is open to all ages, and children under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
Diwali @ Mural is free to attend, no booking is required, and everyone is welcome.
Free activities for all ages include face painting, a henna stall, jumping castles for kids and adults, and a 360º video booth.
The only cost on the night will be for food, drinks and toys, with a vast array of food trucks and toy stalls on site.
A range of cultural performances has also been lined up to entertain guests.
BMA president Puna Gunaratne said attendees could learn a few Bollywood moves with professional dancers on the night.
“BMA kids and adults have been rehearsing their dances for this year’s event, and guests will be invited to join them at the event for a group Garba dance,” he said.
“A traditional folk dance where dancers form a circle with a group of people.”
Diwali @ Mural is funded by the Victorian Multicultural Commission and Benalla Rural City Council’s Social Inclusion Action Group, with additional support from Waratah Construction Pty Ltd and Crystal Cleaning Pty Ltd.
It celebrates the Festival of Lights, a symbol of joy, renewal and the triumph of light over darkness.
“Last year’s fireworks with love hearts were a highlight for so many people, and our guests can expect even more creative work this year,” Cr Gunaratne said.
“This is an amazing event that our volunteers have worked hard to bring to life.
“It’s a celebration of our multicultural spirit and the strength of our community.
“We invite everyone to come along, enjoy the lights, food and performances, and share in the happiness of Diwali.”
If anyone is interested in volunteering at Diwali @ Mural 2026, email info@benallamigrants.org.au or message via Facebook @BenallaMigrantsAssociation.
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