Dress up, walk the red carpet, dance, be entertained and enjoy a full course Indian meal.
Throw in the glamour of Bollywood and you will be at the sixth annual Barrie's Diwali Bash which is set to shine on Oct. 21.
Everyone in Barrie in invited to the all-ages party.
This year, the event is being held at the Mavricks Music Hall complete with a friendly group of 'paparazzi' to capture your Diwali memories.
"Many people think this is just for Indian people. This is for everyone. I want people from Barrie to come together and enjoy the culture and embrace all of what happens on that one night," said organizer Shakir Barmare.
The Festival of Lights is celebrated world-wide and signifies the victory of good over evil, the victory of light over darkness.
Barrie's South Asian population is growing right along with the city's Diwali party.
The first Barrie's Diwali Bash attracted about 200 people and now as many as 600 are expected to attend the public event at Mavricks and a second private party just for friends and family.
"I bring the community together to embrace the culture," said Barmare. "We try to get the Barrie community to dress up Indian, to walk the runway in an outfit, enjoy the Indian food, enjoy the music and dance performances. We are creating an awareness of this culture."
Barmare estimates there are at least 5,000 members of the South Asian community in Barrie.
He came fom Mumbai, India in 2007 to study business at Georgian College. He owns a lifestyle photography business and puts on four events every year - two cultural and two charity.
There are five main aspects to Barrie's Diwali Bash, he says: embrace and enjoy South Asian culture; entertainment with dance performances; a South Asian fashion show; a full course Indian dinner; and an after party.
Prizes and gift bags will be handed out and there's a contest for Diwali Queen.
The fashion show is sponsored by designer Dinesh Ramsay who is offering outfits for a special discount at his Mississauga store where an open house will be held this Sunday.
Diwali is a five-day celebration but Barrie residents can embrace the festival in one glamorous night.
The festival is seen as one of the most significant in Indian culture.
"You know how big Christmas is for Christians? Diwali is that big for Hundus," said Barmare.
Barrie's Diwali Bash is taking place on Saturday, Oct. 21 at Mavricks Music Hall at 46 Dunlop Street West at 7 p.m.
Tickets are $45 advance, $50 at the door and $35 for Georgian College students.
It's an all-age event and kids 12 and under are free.
Tickets are available online https://barrie.snapd.com/events/view/1089436
For more information contact Shakir at 705-718-7550.
