Daniel Andrews under fire for hosting ‘culturally insensitive’ Diwali event

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has come under fire for hosting a Diwali state reception deemed ‘culturally insensitive’.

Diwali, otherwise known as the ‘Festival of Lights’, is one of the most widely celebrated festivals for Hindu’s in India and around the world, and is a time for traditional stories and religious rituals.

Mr Andrews’ state reception on Monday had alcohol served, had Bollywood dancers perform and was held on the same day as the festival night, and no practicing Hindu celebrates Diwali this way.

President of the Australian Hindu Association, Amendra Singh, was not at all happy with the Premier’s state reception.

“It’s in bad taste and it’s culturally insensitive,” Mr Singh told Tom Elliott.

“If you want to appropriate our festival, do it properly, if you want to make it a religious event and use taxpayers money, get the right advice and do it properly.”

Press PLAY to hear Mr Singh’s disappointment with Daniel Andrews