Diwali Festival of Lights
Diwali Festival of Lights gives the 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.
A big thank you to all those who joined us in celebrating Diwali 2009. The festivities took place in Auckland on 10 and 11 October and Wellington a week later on 18 October. Asia:NZ proudly organised the festivals in partnership with Auckland and Wellington City Councils.
The festivals were an unqualified success, attracting large enthusiastic crowds in both cities despite the dreary weather. Kailash, a puppeteer who came all the way from Rajasthan for the occasions, enjoyed entertaining young and old in both cities. In what was his first visit to New Zealand, he explained that "New Zealanders are nice people and Diwali welcomes all of them, from Indian and non-Indian backgrounds. The central theme for Diwali is one of respect."
View slideshows of the celebrations in Auckland and Wellington.
Asia:NZ thanks our partners and sponsors:
Event partners - 
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What happened at this year's Diwali:
Art workshop in Lower Hutt celebrates Diwali
On Wednesday 30 September, 27 enthusiastic children fought the bleak weather to take part in a day-long arts workshop called Di-fusion. Read more
Aucklander wins Diwali short story competition
The national winner of the Asia:NZ/Cathay Pacific Diwali Short Story competition is Saran Hardman from Glen Eden in Auckland. Read more
Traditional Baul singers feature at Auckland celebrations
Wandering mystic minstrels from the Indian state of Bengal made a special appearance at Diwali in Auckland. Their music connects spirituality and nature. Read more
Gujarati dance group brings memories of home
One of India’s top folk dance groups from Gujarat - original home of many Indian New Zealanders - performed at the 2009 Diwali Festival of Lights. Read more
Rajasthani puppets a highlight of Diwali 2009
The puppets are colourful, lively and laugh-out-loud funny. Kids and grown-ups alike loved the Rajasthani puppets at last year’s festivals.Read more
'Bindi - The Indian Tradition' in Wellington
This exhibition explains the ancient Indian tradition of bindi (the Indian dot) with its history, social and religious significance for ceremonies and festivals. Read more
Award winning photographer features at Auckland Diwali
Chris Morten exhibited at the Bath Street Gallery, Parnell, Auckland. Read more
'Faces of India' exhibition at Wellington Diwali
This exhibition of four Indian artists passionate about India and its extraordinary culture was curated by Ravi Kambhoj. Read more
Schools Programme
Our schools programme for Diwali received a tremendous response. For more see our Diwali 2009: Schools Programme page.
Background to Diwali
Diwali, also known as Deepavali (literally “a row of lamps”), is perhaps the most important and ancient of the Indian festivals. It is celebrated throughout India as well as in Indian communities around the world. Read about its traditions and history here.
