Get a taste of diversity at Auckland's 10th Diwali Festival

Auckland’s Diwali Festival celebrates Indian culture with a weekend of entertainment from

midday – 9pm on 8 and 9 October in Aotea Square and the Aotea Centre.

Now in its 10th year, Auckland’s popular Diwali Festival brings the sights, sounds, tastes and energy of India to the heart of Auckland.

Mayor Len Brown says, “There are Diwali celebrations happening all over Auckland with wonderful sights and sounds. This year’s Diwali Festival in Aotea Square and Centre is bigger and better than ever with an expanded programme that brings even more colour and diversity to one of Auckland’s much loved events. It is going to be spectacular, so don’t miss it.”

This year’s new events include an interactive work incorporating rangoli called Digital Art Live, sand sculpture by renowned Indian sculptor Ranjan Kumar Ganguly, Diwali Active – Bollywood and yoga fitness sessions for all to enjoy, not to mention Bollywood theatre show It takes a Village by Indiance.

Punters will also enjoy the major drawcards, popular every year such as local and international performers, a Bollywood dance competition, lantern workshops, authentic craft and food stalls as well as the fireworks finale.

Diwali is India’s best loved festival and is celebrated all over the world. It symbolises the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil and the renewal of life. Families light small oil lamps (diyas) around the home and set off fireworks.

Diwali Festival is proudly presented by Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development in partnership with the Asia New Zealand Foundation.

For the full Diwali Festival programme visit www.aucklandnz.com/diwali

Diwali is made possible with the support of Auckland Council, Incredible India, ANZ, Barfoot & Thompson, AUT, Mithai, ZM, Classic Hits, Radio Tarana, TV3, Easy Call, The Lion Foundation, Indian Council for Cultural Relations and The EDGE. 

 

Notes to editor:

Public Transport/ Parking:

Auckland’s Diwali Festival takes place during the same weekend as the Rugby World Cup 2011 Quarter-finals. Ensure you leave plenty of time to get to the festival as public transport and roads will be busier than usual with people travelling to Eden Park and Queens Wharf.

Visit www.maxx.co.nz for public transport options or www.aucklandtransport.govt.nz for parking options.

Road closures

Part of Queen St, near Aotea Square, will be closed.

Part of Quay St will be closed for the Queens Wharf Fanzone.

From 5.30pm on Saturday and Sunday there will be road closures in the Eden Park area.

Buses

Some CBD bus services will be diverted for the weekend. This is in addition to bus stop relocations downtown. From 5.30pm on Saturday and Sunday there will be bus diversions in the Eden Park area.

Trains

Trains are available but are expected to be busy.

Parking

Parking is available in the Civic, K’Rd, Victoria St and Downtown carpark buildings or other private carparks near Aotea Square.

The Fan Trail

The Fan Trail (the walking route to get to Eden Park Rugby World Cup 2011 matches) is on from 5pm – 8.30pm on 8 and 9 October. Those walking the Fan Trail are being advised to allow more time to walk the trail so that they can take in the sights and sounds of the Diwali Festival. Visit auckland2011.com for more information.

Festival highlights:

It Takes a Village, 7 October, ASB Theatre, The EDGE

It Takes a Village is a spectacular dance drama with the magic of Bollywood. A classic tale of the underdog trying to overcome what seems to be impossible, the theatre extravaganza features over 100 dancers, comedy, romance, and all the colour and culture of Bollywood - fantastic for the whole family to enjoy. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.the-edge.co.nz .

India Puppeteers, 8-9 Oct 4.30pm, 6pm, Puppetry Stage, Aotea Square

Chennai-based puppet company The Indian Puppeteers will bring to life some of the best-loved stories known by all Indian children. The puppets are made from parchment leather, and are up to two metres high.

For information on the full Diwali Festival programme visit www.aucklandnz.com/diwali