Little India Liverpool - Sari Street

Liverpool City Council is staging its annual Indian festival of food and culture – Starry Sari Nights – and it's also backing the local Indian business community by creating Little India Liverpool – Sari Street.

This year's Starry Sari Nights festival coincides with the launching of Little India Liverpool – Sari Street, which recognises George Street as Sydney's premier destination for all things South Asian.

Little India Liverpool – Sari Street

Director Community and Lifestyle Tina Bono said that over the course of the last three decades, George Street in Liverpool has evolved into a prominent South Asian fashion and culinary destination.

"This transformation has made George Street a sought-after high street destination, drawing in fashion enthusiasts and food aficionados from across the world," she said.

"George Street's emergence as a Little India or Sari Street exemplifies the vibrancy and multiculturalism that defines Liverpool.

"It stands as a testament to our commitment to fostering diverse and inclusive spaces within our city, offering residents and visitors a glimpse into the rich tapestry of diverse cultures that enrich our community."

The special promotion of George Street has won the support of the local business community.

Mohammed Azim,Secretary of the Little India Liverpool Association said: "Little India Liverpool is excited to be working with Liverpool City Council to upgrade and renew the street for our customers".

"George Street is moving in the right direction towards positive change which will give our customers a very unique shopping experience."

The Association's Vice-President, Vraj Lal, said: "Liverpool Little India and its members are proud to work in cooperation with Liverpool City Council in promoting Liverpool as shopping and entertainment Hub. Starry Sari Night is a fine example of the council's foresight."

George Street trader Navid Diwanson (Diwanson's Collections) said: "Approval of Little India Liverpool from Liverpool council proves its commitment towards multiculturalism."

"Liverpool Council is working very hard towards making George Street - Little India Liverpool a South Asian Cultural Hub."

Starry Sari Nights

At the same time, this weekend the City is holding its long standing and extremely popular Starry Sari Nights festival in George street, which last year brought some 40,000 people to the city.

Rakesh Kumar, of Kumar's Village said: "All public come and enjoy the evenings on George Street."

Starry Sari Nights is "A vibrant journey through Starry Sari Nights on George Street depicting the rich Indian culture and tradition in the heart of Liverpool Council."

"Starry Sari Nights will surely enhance the outlook of George Street with its vibrant and colourful evenings with the efforts of Liverpool Council and shopkeepers.

Starry Sari is part of Liverpool Council's cultural events program that resulted in a boost of more than $25 million for the local economy since last July.

"This year it's made possible due to a $150,000 NSW Government grant under the Open Streets program.

Minister for Roads, Arts, Music and the Night-Time Economy, Jobs and Tourism John Graham said:

"We're excited to support this event in Liverpool.

"Too often our main streets are something we drive through, rather than drive to. Our streets are a critical part of our public and social infrastructure. Great streets make great towns and centres and reflect the local community and culture.

"The Open Streets program is about temporarily transforming our main streets into vibrant and welcoming public event spaces.

"The colour and diversity of these 130 events celebrates the unique personality of each town or suburb. This is what our vibrancy agenda is all about, backing locals to create events and entertainment that works for their local community."

Ms Bono said: "Starry Sari Nights will bring the best of South Asia to Liverpool, transforming George Street into a gateway for cuisine, fashion, dance and art.

"Sample your way through India, Nepal, Pakistan and more with an array of traditional delicacies including pani puri, momo's and pakoras.

"The mainstage will come alive with mesmerising performances, showcasing the rich diversity of dance, music and storytelling from the region.

There will also be a spectacular Sari fashion showcase highlighting intricate designs from Liverpool's local Sari designers and importers, and marvel at the elegance of this iconic garment."