Deepawali in Rotorua this year will be held at the Rotorua Energy Events Centre on Saturday, November 7.
“Like last year, we invite the Rotorua public (and out of town visitors) to come in big numbers to participate, celebrate, enjoy and bless this cultural tradition,” festival co-ordinator Dr Guna Magesan said.
“This festival is unique in a sense as it is smoke-free, alcohol-free and meat-free festival,” he added.
Entry to the festival is also free. This festival is truly becoming Rotorua Festival as majority of available tickets have been reserved by the Rotorua public (non-Indian community), even before the media release.
Deepawali is now a widely celebrated festival in New Zealand. The Parliament also celebrates this festival annually.
Last year, for the first time in its history, the Hindu community took an initiative to organise a Rotorua-wide community-focused Deepawali Festival at the Rotorua Convention Centre. This gave Rotorua public an opportunity to participate and celebrate this cultural tradition.
Although it was the first year and that too an Election Day, more than 300 people were on waiting list, Dr Magesan said.
“We thank Media who played a key role in promoting this festival, charitable funding agencies for sponsoring the event and community organisations and businesses for supporting the festival.
Rotorua Deepawali Festival 2009 is proudly sponsored by Rotorua Trust, First Sovereign, The Lion Foundation, Asia NZ Foundation, Creative Communities NZ Rotorua Scheme, The Southern Trust, and COGS; and supported by Hindu Council of New Zealand, Rotorua District Council, Settlement Support NZ, Rotorua Ethnic Council, Rotorua Indian community, Rotorua Fiji Indian Association Inc. and other community organisations; Waiariki Institute of Technology, Rotorua Public Library, RAVE and many businesses.
“It is good to see so many community organizations, charitable funding agencies and businesses are behind this festival,” said Dr Meeta Patel, secretary of the festival organising committee.
“As part of our regular learning and understanding of Maori culture, there will be a special Powhiri at Apumoana Marae for out of town visitors on the same day.
“We look forward to seeing your family and friends on November 7.”
Book your free tickets by sending an email to rotorua.deepawali@gmail.com