Diwali Festival of Lights

Each year, the Asia New Zealand Foundation helps Auckland and Wellington celebrate Diwali Festival of Lights - India's best-loved festival.

This ancient Hindu festival symbolises the triumph of light over darkness and the renewal of life. It is celebrated by people in India and Indians living abroad. Families light lamps, candles and fireworks to symbolise the triumph of light over darkness, and good over evil.

History and background of the Diwali festival

2012 festivals

Thank you to everyone who attended our 2012 festivals. We've collected together some images from both festivals for you to enjoy:

Wellington rangoli colouring-in challenge

Thanks to everyone who entered the colouring-in challenge - we loved all the beautiful designs you came up with.

Prizes are on their way to Anneka H-M, Sophia Garcia, Wei Wei Ormsby, Julianna Hennessey, Jas Moore, Liam Anderson, Parekotuku, Jayden Narayan, Rania Anderson, Hannah Moore and Francesca Griggs.

International artists at the festival

Dancers from the Rangashree School of Fine Arts travelled from India to perform at the 2012 festivals.

The group performed a variety of folk dances from Gujarat state in Western India, which were well received by audiences in Wellington and Auckland.

Read more about the Rangashree dance group

Mumbai artist Mugdha Brid, who has won many prizes in rangoli competitions, was also at the festival.

Resources for teachers

Rangoli created by Mughda Brid and Jyoti Gosavi Social sciences units of work that encourage students to explore how Diwali is celebrated and to discover why this festival is significant to the peoples of India.