The Waitākere Indian Association marked 25 years of its Diwali celebration this year. Photo: Supplied
Thousands of people nationwide have concluded festivities to mark Diwali - the Hindu "Festival of Lights" - with weeks of celebrations filled with dance, music, food and fireworks.
Known as one of the biggest multicultural events on New Zealand's calendar, Diwali - also called Deepavali - symbolises the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.
Traditionally, it celebrates the return of Lord Ram and Sita to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile.
From Auckland to Christchurch, community groups and cultural associations hosted events that attracted tens of thousands, reflecting the size of New Zealand's Indian diaspora and growing recognition of the festival.
North Island celebrations
The largest celebration took place in Auckland's Aotea Square on 11-12 October, organised by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited.
Ticketed events were introduced for the first time this year at the Auckland Town Hall, Aotea Centre and Q Theatre from 5 October.
A dance performance at the Waitākere Diwali Mela. Photo: Supplied
In West Auckland, the Waitākere Indian Association marked 25 years of its Diwali celebration at Trusts Arena on 2 November.
"We started our celebrations back in the day at Kelston Community Centre, but the festival has grown exponentially over the past 25 years, and we've been here at Trusts Arena for the past 20 years," said Sunil Kaushal, president of the Waitākere Indian Association.
More than 700 performers took part, alongside a rangoli competition and over 15 food stalls serving popular Indian dishes.
"Our fireworks are the best," Kaushal said.
The Waitākere Diwali Mela closed with an impressive fireworks display on 2 November in West Auckland. Photo: Supplied
The highlight of the event was a Ram Leela performance by the TAAL New Zealand group, which also performed earlier this year at Walt Disney World in Florida.
Organisers estimated the crowd to be around 20,000 people.
The Marawen Youth Kiribati Community performs at a Diwali event in Auckland. Photo: Supplied
Another celebration at Auckland's ASB Waterfront Theatre brought together more than 700 members of the Tamil community for a Diwali event hosted by Kiwi Tamil Samoogam.
"We had a special performance by the Marawen Youth Kiribati Community, alongside Indian singers, in a stunning cultural fusion that blended Tamil rhythm with Pacific grace to the tune of Monica, a Tamil film song," said Vineetha Uthamaputhiran, chairperson of Kiwi Tamil Samoogam.
Hamilton's Indian community gathered at Innes Common for its annual Diwali celebration this year. Photo: Supplied
Hamilton's Indian community gathered on 18 October at Innes Common for its annual Diwali celebration.
"We've been organising the celebration for 35 years," said Jujhar Singh Randhawa, president of the Indian Cultural Society.
"Our fireworks against the backdrop of Hamilton Lake make it very special."
The event drew nearly 20,000 attendees, organisers said.
Thiruvathira, a traditional dance, is performed at Hamilton's Diwali Festival. Photo: Supplied
In Tauranga, thousands gathered to celebrate the festival on 18 October at the Historic Village.
"There were more than 120 artists and volunteers making our festival a great success," event manager Bela Reid said.
"The community engagement of the Telugu, Punjabi, Malayali, Gujarati, Nepalese, West Bengal [communities] absolutely blew our minds," Reid said.
Performers at Tauranga's Diwali Festival. Photo: Supplied
In Wellington, Diwali was organised by the Communities Action Trust (CATNZ) with support from Wellington City Council.
"We had classical dances from the length and breadth of India," said Murali Kumar, founding trustee of CATNZ.
"The community came together despite their differences, and we've been doing it for more than 25 years now."
Highlights included a Māori-Indian dance collaboration, craft and retail stalls, and more than 15 food vendors.
A dance performance during Wellington's Diwali celebration. Photo: Supplied
South Island festivities
In the South Island, Christchurch celebrated Diwali on 25 October at Queen Elizabeth II Park, organised by the Indian Social and Cultural Club.
Nearby, thousands attended a Diwali celebration in Selwyn on 1 November, organised by Bhartiya Samaj Canterbury and the Canterbury Indian Women Group.
"It's our 10th year celebrating Diwali and there were business stalls, arts and activities, kapa haka, and dance performances," said Surinder Tandon, president of Bhartiya Samaj Canterbury.
A dance performance during Selwyn's Diwali celebration. Photo: Supplied
Tandon said a Filipino group also performed, reflecting the festival's increasing diversity.
"Diwali has become more prominent now as the Indian population in Selwyn has increased in recent years," he said.
