It was nice to see that the weather gods had chosen to smile on Aucklanders at the Diwali Festival – an occasion when Indian culture and the magnanimity of New Zealanders, both were on full display last weekend October 14 and 15– by keeping it warm and dry.
The fine spell of weather gave an added incentive to festival-goers to throng in huge numbers and get a taste of what could easily be described as a great experience of fun, food and exhilaration.
At least, the weather gods have chosen to give some certitude, in these otherwise ‘uncertain times’ when the entire nation is being held captive to Winston Peters’ next moves in government forming.
In that respect, this festival was a great equaliser and humbling experience as it reflected the political uncertainty currently experienced by the entire nation and very much established the fact that ethnic migrants are an integral part of the ethos of this nation who deserve and get exactly the same as other New Zealanders, which in this case was ‘political uncertainty.’
The political uncertainty currently faced by the entire nation was written all over on the Auckland Diwali Festival as there were no star politicians (read Prime Minister and the Mayor of Auckland) and those star politicians who were present on the occasion (read Jacinda Ardern) could not address the public, possibly due to paucity of time at the official ceremony of the festival.
However, the presence of political leadership had never been the sole claim to fame for this event to warrant any notable dissent.
So if you were the one who was looking for the pull of star politicians to feel connected with this supposed community event, then you were probably at the wrong place.
In fact, this festival has always been known for a dual display of showcasing of Indian culture and the Kiwi spirit of embracing different cultures like a true multicultural global city.
In that regard, Auckland Diwali Festival 2017 was indeed a success.
The festival brought together Kiwis of all colours and ethnicities, including Indians, coming out in summery attire, to enjoy the true spirit of spring.
The springtime is known to represent the ideas of rebirth, rejuvenation, renewal, resurrection and re-growth, which in simple words mean positivity, fun and merriment.
And Auckland Diwali Festival 2017 was successful in giving the festival-goers that experience of fun, frolic and exhilaration, probably an ounce better than the last edition, which was marred by rain and bad weather on the first day of the festival.
Local Performances
The event has been known for providing one of the biggest platforms to some local performers within the community and beyond.
This year as well the festival lived up to its reputation when nearly 800 local performers, Kiwi-Indian and non-Indian Kiwis, got the chance to showcase their talents to a patronising audience.
A dance group called Candi Soo Masala Fitness, which comprised non-Indian Kiwi performers from age nine to 75 year old performed desi bhangra dance on the hugely popular Spanish song Despacito.
Similarly, the Lazuli School of Fusion, which represented Rajasthan culture (a state in India) within their eclectic form of tribal belly dance, just illustrated the fact that how much conceptualisation and creativity goes behind such innovative fusion of different forms of Indian arts with the contemporary global arts.
The list is long and illustrious and reiterates the quality and passion of local talents who come year after year to the festival.
The Indian Weekender Ms and Mr Diwali
The Indian Weekender has been bringing Indian Weekender Ms and Mr Diwali contest from last year to add glamour to the festival of lights.
In its second year, the contest grew bigger this time with more contestants, better prizes and bigger audience (read more about the event on page number).
Lavani from Kalika Kala Kendra
However, the star attraction of the event were the guest troupe of the world-renowned Kalika Kala Kendra of Ahamed Nagar, Maharashtra, which arrived hardly 12 hours before their scheduled performance at the official ceremony of the festival after almost 24 hours continuous flight and yet delivered a performance that would not have disappointed many patrons of art.
The energy in their performances kept on going northwards as the festival progressed, peaking just before the culmination of the festival on Sunday, October 14 evening.
ISSUE
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