Diwali Festival on this weekend!
Come and celebrate the most vibrant Indian festival – Diwali on the 10th and 11th October.Diwali, also known as Deepavali (row of lamps), is an annual free event which regularly attracts thousands of visitors to the central city with its high energy, colour and authenticity.
The festival of lights gives Indian communities the opportunity to share this much-loved cultural tradition with other New Zealanders and their families. This event celebrates not only the traditions of Diwali, but Indian culture as a whole.
Diwali symbolises the victory of righteousness, the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil and the renewal of life. It is the time when families light and place small oil lamps (diyas) and candles around the home and set off fireworks.
Highlights of the free festival include the colourful, lively and laugh-out-loud funny Rajasthani puppets. Hand carved from mango wood, children and grown ups will love Puppet Master Harij Bhatt and his troupe.
Diwali will also feature traditional and contemporary performances, a Bollywood dance competition, fashion shows, craft and traditional food stalls, spectacular lights and decorations and a fireworks display.
Diwali is organised by Auckland City Council in conjunction with Asia NZ.
Key details:
Date: 10th and 11th October 2009
Place: Eastern Viaduct and Te Wero Island, Viaduct Harbour
Time: Noon - 10pm
Volunteers:
Be part of the vibrant celebration of Diwali Festival 2009. If you enjoy meeting different people, working as a part of a team, we would like to hear from you. Email diwali@aucklandcity.govt.nz.
Photography exhibition
To coincide with Diwali, Auckland City Council and the Asia New Zealand Foundation present Eye Contact....Portraits in India - a photography exhibition by Chris Morton.
Stallholders
Stallholder applications have now closed. If you would like to be placed on a waiting list please email your name, contact address, phone number and a brief explanation of what you would like to sell to diwali@aucklandcity.govt.nz.
Performers
Performer applications have now closed please email diwali@aucklandcity.govt.nz for more information.
