Diwali is celebrated with much fanfare by Indians throughout the world and the celebrations in New Zealand are no less.
It is again on track to be celebrated in a big way and organizers want you to be a part of the fest which this year will be held over two days from October 10 at the Viaduct Harbour.
Known as the “festival of lights”, Diwali marks the return of Lord Rama after 14 years in exile. The lights are meant to light up his path as they were done eons ago by his people in Ayodhya.
In New Zealand, Diwali has been organized every year by the Auckland City Council in conjunction with Asia New Zealand. Highlights include traditional and contemporary performances, a Bollywood dance competition, fashion shows, craft and traditional food stalls, spectacular lights, decorations and fireworks display.
If you are interested in performing traditional or contemporary dance or music, would like to enter the Bollywood dance competition, or are keen to get involved as a volunteer, send your details to diwali@aucklandcity.govt.nz
Diwali, or Deepawali, has been celebrated in New Zealand for years and has attracted thousands of visitors from all walks of life to the city centre in Auckland where the event is held mostly over two days.
Known as one of Auckland’s favourite festivals, other main cities in the country also hold events to celebrate the occasion.
For the non-Hindus who are not aware of the beginnings of Diwali: Lord Rama (son of
King Dasaratha) returns to his father’s kingdom after rescuing his beautiful wife, Sita, from the clutches of the demon king Ravana of Lanka. He is accompanied on perilous journey by his younger brother Lakshman, who plays a huge role in helping his brother’s victory over the demons.
Ayodhya is one of the most ancient and holiest Hindu cities of the world. This city was ruled by “Suryavanshi” kings. The most famous of whom was Dashratha and his son Rama who was believed to be the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Lord Rama was born and had many of his pastimes here. It is said to have once had a perimeter of 96 miles and was the capital of Koshala. It is on the banks of the Gogra (Ghaghara or Saryu) River, bathing in which is supposed to destroy even the deadliest of sins. On the right bank of the river Ghagra or Saryu, as it is called within sacred precincts, stands the holy city of Ayodhya, The illustrious Ikshvaku of the solar clan (suryavansha) was the ruling dynasty of this region.