There was food, dancing, singing and an air of joy as about 200 people honoured the ancient Hindu festival which is traditionally associated with candles, fireworks and the exchange of gifts.

Loddon Campaspe Multicultural Services executive officer Noemi Cummings attended the event at Bendigo Baptist Church.

"It was a very rich sensory experience - the Sikh community in Bendigo delighted us with their beautiful costumes, energetic dances and delicious food," she said.

"I would like to congratulate Harkirat Singh Agnoja, Sandeep Singh and their team for their great job organising the event."

Ms Cummings said events of this kind helped to foster goodwill and understanding.

"We look forward to working with the Sikh community, highlighting the distinctiveness and sameness they bring to our region and how we can certainly have fun together, regardless of where we came from."

Sandeep Singh Sandhu, a member of Bendigo's Sikh community, said the group wanted to encourage harmony between those with differing beliefs.

"It wasn't only about one community, it's about involvement for all communities," he said.

"It was organised by the Punjabi community so that other communities can come and share their views and experiences, and so that we can continue to celebrate more things like this in the future."

Bendigo Mayor Barry Lyons attended the celebrations, which included traditional Punjabi folk dances, with giddha performed by a female group and bhangra by a male group.

People belonging to Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism and Christianity attended in the spirit of inclusion.

Another event to celebrate Diwali is on Saturday, October 25 at St Andrew's Uniting Church Hall.