'We Must Preserve Our Culture': Australian Woman Calls Diwali Lights In Sydney Threat To Western Culture, Ignites Backlash

Australian Woman Viral Video: Diwali lights in a Sydney suburb have sparked a huge online debate after an Australian woman criticised the festival, calling it a threat to Western culture. Kobie Thatcher shared a video on X showing homes in Nirimba Fields decorated with bright, colorful lights for Diwali. She wrote, “These houses are not lit up for Christmas. They are lit up for Diwali. Just about everyone in this neighborhood of Nirimba Fields is Indian. The West has reached a pivotal moment. We must preserve our own culture before we lose it.”

Her post quickly went viral, triggering widespread backlash. Social media users condemned her remarks, calling them intolerant and insensitive. Many pointed out that multicultural celebrations like Diwali enrich communities and promote understanding, showing how Indian migrants contribute to local life while respecting Australian traditions.

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Watch The Viral Video:

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

The video shared yesterday pulled 2.5 million views from X users. "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," a user wrote.

"Australia isn’t losing its culture because Indians celebrate Diwali. The truth is, Australia is growing because of them. As of 2024, over 916,000 people in Australia were born in India, barely 3.2 percent of the total population. That makes Indians the second-largest migrant group after the English, not a takeover," a second user wrote. "A peaceful festival of lights where good wins over evil is threatening you exactly how?" a third user asked.

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"Kobie, I don’t usually join online debates, but I had to chime in. The Indian community celebrates Christmas 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 Xmas, far better than here in Sydney," added a fourth user.