The Hindu Heritage Centre in Rotorua sparkled with joy and colour on Saturday, 25 October 2025, as families gathered to celebrate Children’s Deepawali, a vibrant festival dedicated to young hearts and minds.
The event, themed around light, learning, and cultural pride, brought together children and families from across the region to celebrate the Festival of Lights through art, dance, and storytelling. From mehndi and rangoli designs to traditional music and performances, the celebration was a lively display of creativity and cultural connection.
Unlike commercialised festivities, the Children’s Deepawali focused on helping young people, especially those born and raised in New Zealand, understand the deeper meaning of the festival: the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.
A standout performance of the evening was a captivating Bharatanatyam recital by young dancers from Padma’s School of Indian Classical Dance, Auckland, Abinaya Vijay Kumar, Abirami Manickam, and Mohitha Kosireddy, whose graceful storytelling and expressive movements won hearts.
“We were eager to support Rotorua’s first Children’s Deepawali and be part of this historic beginning,” said Padmalatha Dev, the group’s dance guru.
Local children from Playtopia Educare and several Rotorua primary schools also performed a touching Ram Darbar presentation, which received warm applause for its devotion and sincerity. The evening featured energetic Bhangra dances, soulful singing, and joyful cultural acts that showcased the confidence and spirit of Rotorua’s youth.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, families prepared homemade sweets to share, symbolising unity, generosity, and the joy of togetherness.
“Deepawali is about light, unity, and hope,” said event coordinators Radhika Chhibber and Jyoti Kumar. “This celebration allowed our young people to reconnect with their roots and proudly share their heritage with the wider community.”
Dr. Guna Magesan, President of the Hindu Council of New Zealand, said the event reflected the Centre’s commitment to cultural education and inclusivity.
“Through celebrations like this, we nurture a deeper appreciation of values and strengthen the bonds that unite our diverse community,” he said.
The Children’s Deepawali 2025 marked a memorable step toward fostering intergenerational understanding, cultural pride, and community wellbeing in Rotorua.
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