Media Release
For immediate release
Happy Diwali!
Auckland Museum is celebrating the Indian festival of lights in style on Sunday 19 October, with a Living Treasures day
of special events and activities entirely devoted to Diwali.
In conjunction with the Asia 2000 Foundation of New Zealand, the fabulous programme includes music, fashion shows,
cooking demonstrations and much more!
Classical Indian dance will be demonstrated by visiting lecturer and performer Sheilana Devi Ramdoo from Mauritius.
Sheilana will also hold a talk on her art-form. Traditional and contemporary Indian dance styles will be presented by
the local Neelima Indian Dance Group.
As well as dance, visitors can sample authentic north Indian music with a classical concert from visiting sitar maestro,
professor Pandit Prasanta Bhanja from Calcutta.
Experience the rich intricacy of Indian fashion with a fashion and bridal show presented by indianweddings.co.nz.
If that’s not enough, visitors are invited to explore the tastes and smells of Indian cuisine, with a unique
collaboration between the Museum and the Auckland Cooking Academy. A one-hour cooking demonstration will be held at the
Auckland Cooking Academy in Parnell, a short ride from the Museum. Classes begin at 11am and 2pm, and cost $30 per
person, including transport to and from the Museum. There’s a maximum of 40 people per class so book early! For more
information on the Auckland Cooking Academy, or to make a booking, call 09 309 1696 or visit www.millyskitchen.co.nz.
Other highlights include a sari talk and workshop, henna artists and more!
As a warm-up to the big day’s events, visitors to the Museum on Saturday 11 October will be dazzled by the music of
Panchnaad, from India’s holy city of Varanasi. This music ensemble has performed in jazz and folk festivals around the
world. There will also be a demonstration from one of India’s leading rangoli artists, Abhay Gadkari.
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