London: Global Diwali Revelry Sees New Zealand Joining Hands with the US, Singapore, and UK. The Kiwis celebrate Diwali in all its grandiose and glitter in cities across New Zealand, particularly in the capital city Wellington and other major cities like Auckland, Christ Church, and Queenstown, in the Southern side of the island.
The country with a population of 4,699,755 hosts a significantly large Indian population. According to StatsNZ, (Stats NZ Tatauranga Aotearoa), New Zealand’s official data agency, figures based on religious for New Zealand (2018 Census) highlight Hinduism as the second most observed religions. Christianity amasses a declining trend from 47.7% in 2013 to 36.5 in 2018 as a large population in New Zealand identifies as belonging to no religious population (48.2%).
This year New Zealanders are looking forward to a grand Diwali celebration in Auckland’s DIWALI CELEBRATION FESTIVAL – one of the biggest in the country at Aotea Square and Queen Street in Auckland. The Auckland Diwali Festival, a highlight in New Zealand’s festivities, unfolds on November 4-5 at Aotea Square and Queen Street, promising a vibrant blend of music, dance, and Indian cuisine. The renowned Auckland Harbour Bridge will illuminate the night with Vector Lights.
Noteworthy is the Manukau Diwali on October 29 this year at Due Drop Events Centre, presenting Bollywood dance, live performances, food stalls, and a spectacular fireworks display—an unmissable cultural extravaganza.
In 2022, the New Zealand’s National Police Force in association with Wellington Indian Association Inc published highlights from the celebration where officers were seen celebrating Diwali and engaging in fun activities like dancing to the tunes of Amar Arshi’s Kaala Chashma (Baar Baar Dekho) starring Kartina Kaif and Siddharth Malhotra.
As the Festival of Lights, Diwali, approaches, New Zealand, fondly known as the Land of the Kiwis, is gearing up for a celebration that harmoniously blends the traditional Indian festival with Kiwi culture. This fusion promises a kaleidoscope of colours, delectable cuisines, and a magical display of lights and fireworks across the country.
For many Kiwi Diwali is not just a celebration; it’s a testament to the multicultural fabric of New Zealand, where diverse communities come together to revel in the spirit of joy, unity, and shared festivities.