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

2013 Diwali festivals

The 2013 celebrations will be held on the weekend of 19-20 October in Auckland, and on Saturday 27 October in Wellington.

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 Diwali Festival slideshow
• Auckland Diwali Festival slideshow

Resources for teachers

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.

• Let's Share Diwali - Level 1-2 social sciences resource
• Let's Share Diwali - Level 3-4 social sciences resource