17 June 2005

Chance to be a part of Waitakere's Diwali Celebrations

Come and be a part of one of Waitakere's biggest festivals! The 'Festival of Lights', or Diwali, is coming to Waitakere City at the Trusts Stadium on Sunday 16 October and the organising team is keen to hear from potential performers and volunteers. Get involved and experience the richness of India's culture and heritage, right in the heart of Waitakere.

Diwali is commonly known as the "festival of lights" as the common practice is to light small oil lamps (called diyas) and place them around the home. The celebration of the festival is invariably accompanied by the exchange of sweets and the explosion of fireworks.

The Festival is being organised by the Waitakere Ethnic Board with the support of the Waitakere City Council. If you would like to take part in the festival as a performer or volunteer, contact Ann Pala 818 4450, Camille Nakhid 021 045 7368 or Rachel Blundell 836 8000 ext 8461.

Diwali is one of the most important festivals for the Indian community all over the world and is well-known and celebrated by Indians here in New Zealand.

In recent years the Diwali celebration has been seen as a series of Bollywood-type performances. However, Waitakere City's Diwali will reinforce the cultural significance of the celebration.

ENDS

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