Aucklanders may have missed out on a public celebration of the popular Indian festival of lights, Diwali, this month because of lockdown restrictions, but festivities continue regardless – in a different format.
The 20th Auckland Diwali Festival celebrations will now be held over 20 days – all online – in the lead-up to November 4, the official date the festival will be observed by Hindus throughout the world.
While it is 20 years since the first Auckland Diwali Festival, the celebration of that much-anticipated milestone will be saved for the next in-person festival.
The Auckland Diwali Festival is delivered by Auckland Unlimited, on behalf of Auckland Council. Asia New Zealand Foundation is the festival’s founding partner.
Online celebration details
Cooking Classes with Dolly Mumma (Info/registration here)
Chatpata Chaat – $10 | 16 October
Special Diwali Dosa Class – FREE | 23 October
Biryani for President – $10 | 30 October
Live dance classes on Auckland Diwali Festival Facebook page
Bollyrobix with Ella Kumar, Sunday 17 October, 10am
Bollyfitness by Aaja Nachle, Sunday 24 October, 10am
Dance class (TBC) by Khottey Sikkey, Saturday 30 October, time to be confirmed
Landmarks Lighting for Festival of Lights
Vector Lights on the Auckland Harbour Bridge, Tuesday 26 October – Sunday 31 October.
Te Ara I Whiti, Tuesday 26 October – Sunday 31 October.
Sky Tower, Friday 29 October – Sunday 31 October.
Auckland War Memorial Museum, Monday 1 November – Saturday 6 November.
Viaduct Harbour, Saturday 30 October – Sunday 07 November
Available on Auckland Diwali Festival website:
Craft templates for henna art, making a paper marigold garland, rangoli and a salt dough diya.
Six vegetarian recipes to try at home including coconut barfi, semiya payasam, chole bhature, and dosa. Recipes kindly provided by Dolly Mumma, Banu’s, Mithai, and Anju’s Kitchen.
Dance and music playlists, featuring the local dancers, musicians and DJs that would usually perform on the stages at the Diwali Festival.
