Diwali Lights

The Kadukar/Kusoorkar family from Schofields has been named overall winner in this year’s Blacktown City Diwali Lights Competition.

Last year the household at 62 Ward Street, Schofields, received the runner-up prize.

The competition celebrates the ancient Hindu festival of Diwali, also known as the festival of lights, which is typically celebrated over several weeks in October and November to recognise the victory of light over darkness.

Winner Apurv Kusoorkar, who entered the competition with his wife Sarita Kadukar, said Diwali was a special time for his family, who moved to Schofields in 2019 and have participated in the competition ever since.

“This festival is very important for our family as we were born in India and we feel it is a great way to let our daughter know about our culture,” Apurv said. “This competition is a great integration with Australian culture. Diwali is even more special to my family as our daughter was born on Diwali in 2019.”

Apurv and Sarita used their spare time during the COVID-19 lockdown to decorate their home, taking them up to 20 weekends to complete.

Many of the colourful decorations, including lotuses and lanterns, are handmade from recycled materials, including plastic bottles, cardboard and spoons.

“Winning is not as important as the pride and happiness we get when cars drive past and see the house and tell their kids what the festival is about. The award is the cherry on top,” Apurv said. Ward Street won the best-decorated street award. 106 Mosaic Avenue, The Ponds also won an award.