Celebration of Cultures in Manukau

It will be a celebration of cultures and a demonstration of unity of people at the Manukau Diwali scheduled to be held at the Telstra Clear Pacific Events Centre in Manukau on November 7, 2010.

The Festival would begin at 12 Noon and end with spectacular fireworks at 830 pm.

Organised by the Manukau Indian Association (MIA) and Radio Tarana, Manukau Diwali has become an event not just for Hindus, Indians or People of Indian Origin but for everyone with an interest in culture, including music, dance, costumes and of course cuisine. The daylong event will revolve around the theme of Inclusiveness.

Various ethnic and community groups would participate in the cultural programmes joined by commercial organisations at trade stalls.

This would be the second successive year of partnership between MIA and Radio Tarana with the support of the Manukau City Council and the Trusts Charities.

Auckland Mayor Len Brown will inaugurate the event during an official ceremony at 5 pm in the presence of a number of political and community leaders and officials of commercial organisations.

Radio Tarana Managing Director Robert Khan said Manukau Diwali promises to be bigger and better this year.

“There would be activities to hold almost everyone’s interest, including a Bollywood Dance Competition, cultural dances, Rangoli display and outdoor entertainment for children. Folk dances from Punjab, Nepal and other regions will be among the highlights of the programme that will be held both outside and inside the main stadium,” he said.

-With reporting by Manish Tanna