One of the regular highlights of Auckland Diwali Festival is Indian Weekender’s Mr & Ms Diwali Contest that brings the fusion of culture and modernity on the stage in a cultural pageant format.
After dozens of applications and several rounds of auditions, top 10 contestants were chosen to represent their culture with a modern twist on the stage of Auckland’s Biggest Indian event- Diwali Festival held at Aotea Square this Labour weekend.
Auckland’s Shivani Singh went home with the prestigious title of Ms Auckland Diwali 2018 while Saurabh Singh claimed the title of Mr Auckland Diwali 2018. Sneha Rao and Taranjot Chaudhary were the runners-up in the respective categories.
After weeks of rigorous training and grooming, the 10 finalists prepared for the three rounds of the contest: round 1- questions and answers with judges, round 2- cultural representation and ramp walk, and round 3- ramp walk and talent show.
Both winners were awarded with return tickets to India by Air India and brand new Nova3 smartphones by Huawei, while runners-up won Titan wrist watches by Sona Sansaar and gift vouchers by Ria Money Transfer.
Winners from 2016 Kariappa Maletria and Devika Mhetar played an important role as the modelling/catwalk choreographers while ‘The Girl on the Move’ Farhein Akmal, the runner-up from 2017, choreographed the group dance performed by the contestants in round 2.
As one of the regular sponsors of the Diwali Festival, The Indian Weekender organises the Mr & Ms Diwali- a cultural pageant with fusion of modernity. The pageant has gained popularity over the years with a huge number of applications coming in every year. If you are willing to be a part of this contest for 2019, you can contact our team on reporter@indianweekender.co.nz
Painting done live by one of the finalists- Khyati Patel
Talent Round- Taranjot Chaudhary
Talent round- Madhav Kapila
Khyati Patel at Indian Weekender's Mr & Ms Diwali 2018
Finalists with the choreographers at the Auckland Diwali Festival 2018
Indian Weekender's Swati Sharma was one of the MC at the Auckland Diwali Festival 2018
Sneha Rao- Talent Round
Shivani Singh- Talent Round
Vishnu Asok- Talent Round
Winners pose after the Indian Weekender Mr And Ms Diwali 2018 crowning ceremony
Saurabh Singh- Winner Mr Diwali 2018