An estimated 8000 people packed Tuggeranong’s South.Point Shopping Centre on Saturday for the AustIndia Fair, one of Canberra’s largest indoor multicultural celebrations.

The free event, presented by South.Point in partnership with the Federation of Indian Associations of the ACT (FINACT) and Fair Canberra, featured about 30 cultural performances, live music, traditional dance, community stalls and food celebrating cultures from around the world.

Performers represented Indian, African, Pacific Islander, Tongan, Chinese and Thai communities, with Brazilian samba dancers and interactive cultural workshops also part of the program.

South.Point marketing manager Carole Arulantu said the turnout highlighted the community’s enthusiasm for multicultural events.

She said the shopping centre aimed to be more than a retail destination by providing opportunities for people from different backgrounds to come together and celebrate Canberra’s cultural diversity.

FINACT president Divya Ravikumar said the fair showcased Indian culture while highlighting the broader diversity of the ACT community.

She said partnerships between community organisations and local businesses created opportunities to share culture, strengthen community connections and celebrate the diversity that makes Canberra an inclusive city.

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