Auckland Diwali Festival 2021 has been called off due to the uncertainty about covid alert levels in the region. The alert decides the number of persons at any one event or if there’ll be an event at all. This will be the 20th year of the Diwali celebration in Auckland.
Diwali, meaning row of lights in Sanskrit, is a festival of lights. It symbolises the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness and new beginnings. The celebration involves bright, vibrant colours, popping fireworks, yummy food and sweets.
The ceremony takes place at Aotea Square in Auckland CBD, where most big events happen. Auckland Diwali festival showcases an assortment of traditional and contemporary Indian songs, dance and food; some of the core items that make up a culture besides the belief system etc. But this year, the celebration will go online due to the coronavirus pandemic. The virtual event will take place on Auckland Unlimited’s website.
I’ve decided to relive the memories of my past Diwali experiences. The first time I heard of Diwali was here in New Zealand. That’s because most of my friends at Uni, even now, are Indians. It makes sense since 1 out of 20 New Zealanders is of Indian ethnicity. Indians make up approx. 5% of NZ’s population, according to 2018 census data, and still growing. So typically, I get to hear of celebrations they have in their country.
The very first Diwali I attended was at my Uni, courtesy of the UoA Postgraduate Student Association (PGSA). I was invited by my friend, Lamis (pictured with the pink balloon) who is also Indian. At the event, I got henna, joined in dancing and ate Indian sweets. My fave was Gulab jamun; it still is. Fun facts about gulab jamun sweet: it originated from medieval Iran! Say what!!
Diwali 2017
Photos of my first time at a Diwali event in Auckland.
Location: Faculty of Science Foyer, University of Auckland.
Organiser: PGSA
The lamb is a sticker 
Pretty hands 
Lovely henna designs 
My diwali team
Diwali is an annual festival originating from India and celebrated mainly by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists. Sometimes spelt as Divali and also called Deepavali in Sanskrit. This is a famous annual festival that takes place between October and November and lasts for five days. The exact day is determined by the moon, just like many other religious festival.
Diwali 2018
My second Diwali experience was also my first time at a full-blown Diwali festival. I also dressed the part as shown on the right.
More photos of Diwali 2018. Click on the photo for a better view expanded.
I’d assumed Diwali was the start of a new year for the Hindus, Sikhs and the religions that celebrate it, mainly cos of the extravagance involved. Then I thought my assumption was wrong, but a quick search online proved me correct. In Gujarat, the festival signifies the start of a new year. Diwali is indeed the Hindu New Year.
Diwali, for me, is a time to have fun, dress up, hang out with friends, and try Indian foods. I don’t associate any religious significance with it. Although, I’ll have to review my stance in participating in the celebration as a Christian.
Have you ever been to a Diwali festival? Share your experience in the comment section.
