West Aucklanders promise brighter Diwali

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 day-long 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.

‘Unity in Diversity’ is the theme of this year’s celebrations, reinstating WIA’s commitment to serve the Indian and other communities.

In the last ten years we have seen a rolling crowd of 20,000 people attending the event. This year’s packed programme would include free music and dance from community groups and professional artistes on the main stage, as well as food stalls and a range of child-friendly activities.

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 programme will start at 11 am with a colourful presentation of rich Indian culture and tradition on the theme of Diwali.

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.

There will also be a spectacular indoor laser light show along with traditional and Bollywood type performances and outdoor fireworks display.

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.

The organisers wish to extend a warm invitation to one and all.

Get involved and experience the richness of India’s culture and heritage, right in the heart of Waitakere.

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.

Events such as Diwali play an important part in bringing people of different cultures, religions and faiths together, a process that is imperative in today’s world.

Further information can be obtained from Anilesh Kumar on 021-0477414

Email: anilesh.kumar@airnz.co.nz; website: www.wia.net.nz

Manoj Tahal is a Member of the Executive Committee and a former President of the Waitakere Indian Association. He is among the chief architects of the Diwali Festival organised by the Association in West Auckland.