Diwali Milan may be an ancient festival but modern technology helped ensure hundreds of people around the world were able to witness the event, held in Rockhampton recently by the Indian Association of Central Queensland.

The Rockhampton festival was not only enjoyed by around 700 local residents; CQUniversity's Information Technology Division also made it possible for the event to be video-streamed live around the world.

Over 500 internet views, spanning 42 cities across 13 countries via the CQUniversity website, meant that family and friends of local Indian and Nepalese residents could tune in to see them celebrating this annual event.

Sponsored by CQUniversity, the Diwali Milan 'Festival of Lights, Colours, Sound and Food' was held at the Community Sports Centre on Rockhampton Campus. It offered Indian music, Bollywood music and Indian Classical, Folk and Bollywood dances followed by authentic Indian dinner.

Indian Association president Dr Dhamodharan Raman welcomed guests including "Mayor Brad Carter, VC Professor Scott Bowman, Deputy Mayor Rose Swadling, our friends from Filipino Association brought together by Councillor Schwarten, Media - ABC, Morning Bulletin, Channel 7, Colleagues at CQUni and proud sponsors".

"A special welcome goes to hundreds of our friends who have come all the way from Gladstone and Emerald!

"Diwali - it is the biggest festival celebrated in India and 11 other countries (including Nepal, Bangladesh, Singapore, Fiji, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and South Africa).

"Though different parts of India celebrate Diwali for different reasons - all of them essentially aim to celebrate the victory of Good over Evil - light over darkness, which exists within this external world and ourselves. 

"And today we have used such a meaningful festival to overcome the differences/distances and bring along a ‘feel good' friendship and also overcome the shyness/fear and share our hidden talents.

"I take this opportunity to thank the driving forces behind this Mega Event.

"Our visionary VC Professor Scott Bowman - who came forward and offered this great venue. That was really a timely help. Since our Diwali is getting bigger and bigger every year we found it a bit hard to find a suitable venue. I hope we continue to receive such support in future, eventually it could be a part of CQU's annual corporate event. And of course thanks also to his team Kaye, Jordan, Steve from Security Office and Robyn Bailey for their support since day one."

"Thanks to Councillor Stephen Schwarten - who is part of our family now and has been continuously co-ordinating the supports from council's end.

'Thanks to Mr Sunil Velayudh and his friends from Flavour Inn who have been kindly preparing today's dinner.

"Last but not least - our efficient and ambitious IACQ team - they have been working together for the past three months amidst their busy schedule. As a result of their excitement and enthusiasm ‘friends around the world are watching this function LIVE'. Well done champions!"