Celebrate the Festival of Lights at local libraries

Decorate your hands with henna, learn how to drape a sari, create a traditional Indian “rangoli” and immerse the family in Hindu culture during Diwali at Auckland Libraries.

It’s all on during the Festival of Lights at your local library, with a range of free cultural activities available from 31 October – 15 November. From Diwali-themed Storytimes and Bollywood-style Rhymetimes to arts and craft, fun quizzes and yoga for kids, there is something for every member of the family.

Cr Cathy Casey, chair of the Community Development and Safety Committee says that Auckland Council’s libraries are an important community hub for people wanting to celebrate or learn more about Diwali and Indian culture.

“Auckland is well on the way to becoming a super-diverse city, and festivals like Diwali are a wonderful opportunity for people to come together to celebrate living in an exciting, colourful global city.

“I would encourage everyone to head down to your local library and take advantage of our free resources which includes not just Hindi books, but also DVDs, magazines including e-magazines, novels, cookbooks, bi-lingual children’s books and other digital resources.”

Events include:

South & East
The Big Diwali “Mela” at Botany Library
Sunday 8 November, 3pm – 4pm, Botany Library
Mela is a Sanskrit word meaning “gathering” or a meeting place or fair. Join us for a fun-filled afternoon with craft stalls, henna painting, rangoli and card-making and food tasting, to name just a few activities.
Tea and Topics
Thursday 5 November, 10am – 11am, Manukau Library
Join us to hear Dr Priya Punjabi speak about Ayurveda, a system of traditional medicine with historical roots in India.

North & West
Diwali dance performance
Friday 6 November, 3pm – 4pm, Waitākere Central Library
Unitec students perform Diwali dancing.

Diwali celebration
Wednesday 11 November, 3.30pm – 4.30pm, Albany Village Library
Celebrate Diwali by listening to stories from India, participating in henna hand painting, a dance performance and making rangoli decorations.
Central
Grand annual Diwali celebration
Saturday 31 October, 10.30am – 12 noon, Blockhouse Bay Library
A morning of Indian song and dance performed by famous artists, Garba folk dance by Khottey Sikkey and interactive dance session by Ella Kumar.

For more Diwali events at Auckland Libraries, go to: http://www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/EN/Events/Events/Pages/diwali2015.aspx

ENDS

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