Gold Ford Mustangs As Far As The Eye Can See As Diwali Festivities Get Underway In Town

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A seemingly endless street lined with gold-wrapped Ford Mustangs is a clear sign for one local Betoota man that Diwali celebrations are in full swing.

Diwali, or the Festival of Lights, is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and some Buddhists across the world, including right here in Betoota.

The town is home to a small but vibrant community of Queensland’s historic Sikh and Hindu families, many of whom trace their roots back to sugar-cane labourers who arrived in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

While Betoota is no stranger to the annual South Asian festival, many of it’s non-Desi community often forget it’s on until the annual phenomenon of American muscle cars with over the top colours.

Ford Mustangs have long been a favourite for South Asian men that are on good coin, a cultural status symbol which has become synonymous with Desi men throughout the west.

Harry Filby (28), an Anglo-Australian who was born and bred in Betoota, stumbled upon the line up of Mustangs earlier yesterday when he realised what was going on.

“Ah yeah, must be Diwali again” he muttered, suddenly optimistic that an Anglo vs Desi street cricket match could be on the cards this week.

As the sun dipped behind the servo, the sound of bhangra beats began echoing through the main street, coupled with the scent of curry and burning rubber.

A few locals leaned on the pub balcony, watching the convoy roll past in awe.