Wimmera Southern Mallee Skilled Migration Program and the Indian community has invited the community to Diwali, the Indian New Year, at the Sawyer Park Soundshell in Horsham.

The free festival will feature Bollywood dance workshops by Melbourne's Singh Sisters, classical and Bollywood Indian performances by the Wimmera Indian community, Indian food stalls including Diwali sweets, Indian beer, spices and Indian recipes and henna body painting.

Event director Abby Cooper, of Wimmera Southern Mallee Skilled Migration Program, said the festival would include fireworks, firecrackers and a spectacular light and sound show.

She said the family event would also feature activities for children.

"Through the sharing of food and collaborative activities such as making lanterns and candles, the wider public will have an opportunity to personally engage with Indian tradition," she said.

Ms Cooper said there were more than 70 Indians living in Horsham, and more across the region.

She said the skilled migration program was committed to cross- cultural events to encourage social inclusion.

"By celebrating Diwali in Horsham, it will not only attract Indians in this region but from other areas of Victoria," she said.

"The festival will enable the Indian community to showcase an important event in their culture and teach the wider community about their history."

Ms Cooper said the festival would help reassure Indian people the Wimmera was a safe and accepting environment, attracting them to live in the region.

"By hosting the festival in the Wimmera it also signifies to the Indian community that our region not only embraces their culture but wants to take part in their festivities," she said.

Ms Cooper said the Horsham festival would be advertised at a Diwali celebration in Federation Square, Melbourne, on October 17.

She said organisers expected the festival to attract tourists.

"Buses are being arranged to travel from Ararat and Stawell to the festival site," she said.