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Australia is known for its cultural diversity, with people from different backgrounds living and celebrating together. However, a recent incident sparked outrage when a resident criticised Diwali celebrations in her neighbourhood. She posted a video showing homes in Nirimba Fields adorned with vibrant lights, complaining that the decorations were for Diwali, not Christmas, and asserting that “the West must preserve its culture before losing it.” Her comment drew heavy backlash, with many calling her opinion rude and disrespectful. Social media users came to the defence of the Indian community, noting that Australia’s strength lies in its acceptance of people from diverse backgrounds who celebrate together. Diwali Celebrations In Sydney Spark Controversy Taking to X (Formerly Twitter), the woman wrote, “Sydney, Australia. These houses are not lit up for Christmas. They are lit up for Diwali. Just about everyone in this neighbourhood of Nirimba Fields is Indian. The West has reached a pivotal moment, we must preserve our own culture before we lose it.” Sydney, Australia ?? These houses are not lit up for Christmas. They are lit up for Diwali. Just about everyone in this neighbourhood of Nirimba Fields is Indian. The West has reached a pivotal moment—we must preserve our own culture before we lose it. pic.twitter.com/3aunZCfDCb — Kobie Thatcher (@KobieThatcher) October 23, 2025 Backlash From Social Media Users Reacting to the post, a user asked, “In your view, no country should allow migration, exchange of people to people to contact, no trade relations, have a closed-door approach? You think, possible in the 21st century?” Another shared, “That is the best example of hard-working people accepting Australia as their home and maintaining their culture while accepting the Australian way of life. They live peacefully, lawfully and contribute to the local economy. Important thing to remember, Indians celebrate all festivals.” An individual asked, “So you are saying that Christmas shouldn’t be celebrated in India?” To this, the woman replied, “I don’t care what India chooses to do in its own country.” “Australia isn’t losing its culture because Indians celebrate Diwali. The truth is, Australia is growing because of them. Indian-Australians have one of the highest education and employment rates in the country. If a few Diwali lights make you fear for Western culture, maybe the insecurity isn’t about culture at all. The British once stole India’s wealth and knowledge. Today, Indians return as doctors, engineers, and innovators who build, not conquer. That is not revenge. That is evolution. Australia was built on migration. Culture isn’t lost when others join in. It dies only when arrogance replaces acceptance,” a comment read. Another mentioned, “Most Indians who have emigrated to be fair are hard working, pay their taxes, stay on the right side of the law. They routinely top the charts of the highest-earning and educated ethnic group. They hold high management positions disproportionate to their numbers. What’s the issue if they decorated their own homes for an ethnic festival? A peaceful festival of lights where good wins over evil is threatening you exactly how?” One more added, “The Indian community celebrates Xmas with the same enthusiasm as Diwali, with Xmas trees in every Indian home. We uphold and contribute to your culture. You’re sadly targeting the wrong group. Visit India to see how streets are decorated on Christmas, far better than here in Sydney.” If people choose to live in another country, they should assimilate to that country's culture, not import their own. — Kobie Thatcher (@KobieThatcher) October 23, 2025 In a follow-up post, she expressed frustration that some people in Australia wanted Diwali to be recognised as a public holiday. She argued that Australia should not alter its traditions or rules simply because people from other countries celebrate different festivals.
