Small lamps and garlands decorated the stage in Parliament's Banquet Hall last night as the Hindu festival of Diwali – the festival of light - was celebrated.
About 250 people attended, many of them dressed in the beautiful silks of Indian traditional dress. Indian people were joined at the annual event this year by many other ethnicities.
Hosted by the Minister for Ethnic Affairs, Hon Hekia Parata, the celebration was praised by the speakers for highlighting New Zealand's positive harmonious relationships.
The Prime Minister emphasised the similarities between New Zealand and India such as each country’s democratic values and entrepreneurial spirit.
Mr Key also spoke about the positive economic partnership that is developing between the two countries.
The Minister for Ethnic Affairs, Hon Hekia Parata, told the audience that the popularity of Diwali illustrates the influence Indian culture has had on our society.
“Sharing celebrations like Diwali provides an opportunity for all New Zealanders to gain a better understanding of the different communities around us. It also plays an important role in making New Zealand a more tolerant and resilient society.''??Ms Parata says the relationship between India and New Zealand is growing, particularly in the areas of tourism, education and trade.??"This relationship is set to grow with the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, which is currently being negotiated.''
The Indian High Commissioner to New Zealand, His Excellency Admiral Sureesh Mehta, and the President of the New Zealand Indian Central Association Paul Bains Singh also spoke, explaining in more detail the traditions behind Diwali.
The four speakers then lit the diya - a ceremonial lamp which symbolises the key themes of Diwali; the celebration of light over darkness and good over evil.
A powerful and stirring traditional invocation by Murali Kumar filled the large hall, as his strong, unaccompanied voice soared up and down the musical scale.
The audience was also entertained by traditional music and dance performances.
Known as the festival of lights, Diwali is India's biggest and most significant celebration and enjoyed by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists.
It is celebrated around the world and has become a well-established part of New Zealand’s cultural calendar.
Mervin Singham, the Director of the Office of Ethnic Affairs, which helped to organise the event says: “Sharing celebrations such as Diwali plays an important role in making New Zealand a more tolerant and vibrant nation.”