Entertainment
28 September, 2026
Annual Indian festival draws crowds of 10,000
MORE than 10,000 people attended the Cairns Indian Festival 2026 over a week-long program of cultural, food, music, dance and community events from 5-12 September.
Now in its third year, the festival featured five experiences across Cairns, culminating in the Main Event at Fogarty Park on 12 September, from 11am to 9pm.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli attended the Main Event as chief guest, joining dignitaries, community and business representatives, sponsors and festival-goers at the official opening ceremony.
GOPIO Cairns president Subash Chetry welcomed guests, acknowledged the traditional custodians of the land and recognised the contributions of volunteers, performers, businesses and organisations.
Almost 50 visiting performers took part, including Tapori Squad and Rich Virsa Bhangra from Brisbane, Sopanam Chenda Drummers and DJ URI from Melbourne and Shivagarjana Dhol Team from Adelaide.
Audiences were treated to Bollywood and Bhangra dance, traditional Chenda and Dhol percussion, interactive workshops, and contemporary music, with DJ URI closing the Main Event before celebrations continued at Bollywood After Dark.
The GOPIO Awards 2026 also recognised contributions to community life, business, youth achievement and service.
Recipients included Dr Nirjhar Nandi (Community Impact Award), Andrew “Herbie” Howard (Friend of India Award), Jasman Kaur Johal (Youth Excellence Award – under-25), Find Me a Lender (Business Excellence Award) and Associate Professor Dr Ashim Sinha (Excellence in Service Award).
Festival Week began with the Bollywood Sunset Social at Novotel Cairns, followed by Chaat Bazaar at Delhi Xpress and the Southern Spice Table at SpicyBite Smithfield.
The Main Event was followed by Bollywood After Dark at The Woolshed.
A festival raffle was also held in partnership with the Cairns Barrier Reef Lions Club to support the club’s charitable and community work.
GOPIO Cairns Inc. acknowledged support from the Australian Government, the Queensland Government and the Cairns Regional Council, as well as sponsors, businesses, community organisations, stallholders, volunteers and performers who helped deliver the five-event program.
