Get a taste of diversity at Auckland’s 10th Diwali Festival

Media release
4 October 2011

Get a taste of diversity at Auckland’s 10th Diwali Festival

Auckland’s Diwali Festival celebrates Indian culture with a weekend of entertainment from
midday – 9pm on 8 and 9 October in Aotea Square and the Aotea Centre.

Now in its 10th year, Auckland’s popular Diwali Festival brings the sights, sounds, tastes and energy of India to the heart of Auckland.

Mayor Len Brown says, “There are Diwali celebrations happening all over Auckland with wonderful sights and sounds. This year’s Diwali Festival in Aotea Square and Centre is bigger and better than ever with an expanded programme that brings even more colour and diversity to one of Auckland’s much loved events. It is going to be spectacular, so don’t miss it.”

This year’s new events include an interactive work incorporating rangoli called Digital Art Live, sand sculpture by renowned Indian sculptor Ranjan Kumar Ganguly, Diwali Active – Bollywood and yoga fitness sessions for all to enjoy, not to mention Bollywood theatre show It takes a Village by Indiance.

Punters will also enjoy the major drawcards, popular every year such as local and international performers, a Bollywood dance competition, lantern workshops, authentic craft and food stalls as well as the fireworks finale.

Diwali is India’s best loved festival and is celebrated all over the world. It symbolises the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil and the renewal of life. Families light small oil lamps (diyas) around the home and set off fireworks.

Diwali Festival is proudly presented by Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development in partnership with the Asia New Zealand Foundation.

For the full Diwali Festival programme visit www.aucklandnz.com/diwali

Diwali is made possible with the support of Auckland Council, Incredible India, ANZ, Barfoot & Thompson, AUT, Mithai, ZM, Classic Hits, Radio Tarana, TV3, Easy Call, The Lion Foundation, Indian Council for Cultural Relations and The EDGE.

Ends

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