Sunil Chandra
Waitakere Diwali marks its 14th year on October 18 with the promise of being once again one of the greatest Festivals in the region.
The unique indoor venue that can house more than 10,000 people for the celebrations enhances audience experience.
The Trusts Stadium in Henderson has seating capacity for 5000 patrons and boasts of a huge centre stage equipped with the latest sound and lighting equipment bringing to life all the colourful and high calibre performances from the Indian Sub-Continent.
The Stadium also has a large floor area for trade, arts and craft and food stalls.
Waitakere Indian Association has been organising this Festival from its inception.
Hectic preparations
Preparations are underway to make this year’s event memorable to all visitors, guests, volunteers and organisers.
The programme will commence at 11 am with devotional songs, followed by dances taken from Hindi films, cultural dances, songs, comedy, drama (Ram Leela) and the colourful Bhangra. The event will conclude with impressive fireworks at 10 pm.
‘Unity in Diversity’ is the theme of this year’s Diwali. Among the highlights of this theme would be a special performance by a Caribbean Steel Band and an Indoor Cricket Match open to all to test their skills against some of the top Waitakere Cricket players.
There would also be plenty of giveaways and prizes donated by sponsors who will be promoting their products.
This is an iconic Diwali event that should not be missed. As always, entry to the venue and to the car park area is free for all.
Sunil Chandra is the Immediate Past President of the Waitakere Indian Association. The following report sent by Manoj Tahal, also a former President (and Member of the current Executive Committee) appeared in our September 15, 2014 issue has been reproduced with a few minor modifications to provide a more comprehensive coverage of Waitakere Diwali 2014.
Cultural bonanza in West Auckland
Manoj Tahal
After successfully delivering the largest indoor Diwali festival to the people of Auckland for 14 years, the Waitakere Indian Association (WIA) looks forward to promoting another year of the Festival of Lights on Saturday, October 18, 2014.
The daylong Festival will be held at the Trust Arena, commonly known as “The House of Diwali.” As usual, it would attract people from a cross-section of the society in and around Auckland to Central Henderson.
Family Event
This event provides fun for the whole family, with special activities such as Sari Dressing, Bollywood dance classes, Rangoli and children’s amusement area.
You can also hunt for a bargain at the Indian Bazaar or be pampered in the Asian Beauty Zone. The overwhelming support from both the Indian and wider communities has inspired and motivated WIA to consider ways and means of enhancing the scope and content of the event year after year.
WIA has again partnered with Auckland Council, Radio Tarana, Charitable Trusts Foundation, The Trust Arena and Indian Newslink to bring this joyous festival to the people of Auckland.
Varied significance
Diwali has great cultural, moral and religious significance to Hindus all over the world. The Festival of Lights is celebrated in a cordial atmosphere embracing Indian culture and heritage. It is the time for happiness, renewing friendship and working towards collective wellness and joy.
This festival is also intended to attract the wider Kiwi communities to participate in the event. While New Zealanders of varied cultural background and ethnicity have always lived and worked together, until a few years ago, there was little opportunity for them to witness and understand each other’s culture and heritage.
Two groups of dancers at Waitakere Diwali 2013
