Diwali festival of lights
The story behind Diwali
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is celebrated over several days by Hindu, Jain, Sikh and Buddhist communities. It has many meanings and stories and is celebrated in different ways across India and the world.
One of the most well-known stories comes from the ancient Hindu epic, the Ramayana. It tells of Lord Rama, who returned home to the city of Ayodhya after 14 years of exile in the forest with his wife Sita. During his exile, Sita is abducted by king Ravana and taken to Lanka. Lord Rama, helped by Hanuman and an army of allies, defeats king Ravana and rescues Sita. The people of Ayodhya lit rows of oil lamps — called diyas — to welcome Rama home and to celebrate the victory of good over evil.
Across the world and here in our community, families decorate their homes with glowing diyas (oil lamps), colourful lights and beautiful rangoli patterns made of coloured sand or petals. Friends and neighbours come together to share food, sweets, music, and laughter
Campbelltown Council’s Diwali Festival of Lights Competition is a wonderful opportunity for everyone to get involved – whether you participate in Diwali celebrations as part of your culture or take a self-guided tour of the many light displays in our local streets.
Diwali 2026 falls on Sunday 8 November, with festival celebrations over 5 days from 6 to 10 November 2026.
Rangoli exhibition
Visit the Gallery at Campbelltown Public Library during November to see previous winners of the Rangoli category.
Diwali lights map
Enjoy a self-guided tour of Campbelltown’s Diwali lights displays.
The best times to see the light displays is during the Diwali Festival period, from 6 to 10 November 2026.
Diwali lights bus tours
Residents of the City of Campbelltown are invited to join us for a community bus tour of our local Diwali lights on Monday 9 November 2026.
The bus tour will depart from Council's Office, 172 Montacute Road, Rostrevor at 8:30 pm - please arrive 8:15 pm. We aim to return to Council by 10 pm.
Bookings essential. Call 8366 9222 or email mail@campbelltown.sa.gov.au to secure your seat.
Diwali festival of lights competition
Campbelltown City Council's Diwali Festival of Lights Competition has 2 categories:
- Lights category
- Rangoli Category
You can enter one or both categories and there are prizes to be won!
2026 registrations have now closed.
- This competition is only open to residents of the Campbelltown City Council (SA) local government area only.
- Entrants must have their light display on from Friday 6 November to Tuesday 10 November 2026 between the hours of 8:30 pm to 11 pm for judging purposes.
- Entrants agree for images of their property and location to be used in promotional material, including Council's website, flyers and a map which are available to the public.
- Entrants agree to have their name and address disclosed to judges for judging purposes only.
- Entrants agree that their installation will stop at their property boundary and will not cover the Council verge.
- Judges decisions are final.
Ineligible entries:
- 1st place winners from the 2025 Lights category may register to be included on the Council Diwali Lights Map but are not eligible to enter the Lights category for 2026. They can enter the 2026 Rangoli category and compete for a winning place.
- 1st place winners of the 2025 Rangoli category cannot enter the 2026 Rangoli category but can enter the 2026 Lights category and compete for a winning place.
- Individuals or businesses who have sponsored or donated prizes towards this year's competition are ineligible to enter the competition, however they can be included on the Diwali Lights Map.
Judging criteria:
Community judges will rate entries against the following criteria for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places for the Lights category:
Traditional Diwali elements and symbols – 25% of final score
- How well the display reflects the traditions and meaning of Diwali - e.g. aum symbols, such as diyas/lamps, Lakshmi, lotus flowers or other culturally significant decorations.
- Note: Christmas decorations will not be considered.
Creativity and variety of lights – 25% of final score
- The range, creativity and visual interest of the lighting used.
- This could include different colours, shapes, patterns, sizes and styles of lights.
Multiple elements decorated – 15% of final score
- How extensively the property or display area has been decorated.
- Judges will consider how lights and decorations are used across different areas, rather than just one feature or section.
Story behind the lights display – 15% of final score
- Judges assess the story and its connection to the display.
- Judges will not be assessing writing or English ability.
Overall Impression – 20% of final score
- Judges will consider the display as a whole
Council encourages responsible energy consumption during the festive season. We encourage entrants to consider:
- Using solar-powered and/or LED lights
- Using timers to limit the duration of displays
Competition sponsors
Thank you to our 2026 Diwali festival of lights competition sponsors.