Diwali is the biggest festival of India and is widely celebrated by Indians all over the world. Indian Weekender has been reporting on various Diwali events organised in various parts of New Zealand by various organisations in their respective communities.
One such Diwali celebration was organised last week in the thriving Canterbury suburb of Selwyn with support from Selwyn District Council, Selwyn District Creative Communities and the Ministry of Ethnic Communities.
Bharatiya Samaj Canterbury and Canterbury Indian Women Group organised the Selwyn Diwali Festival 2022 at Lincoln Event Centre on 13 November with more than 1000 community members attending and enjoying the revelries.
Two of Christchurch's well-known faces behind the event, Surinder Tandon and Archna Tandon, have been associated with ISCC since 1997 and were instrumental in developing the Christchurch Diwali Festival. With the growing Indian community in Selwyn, they decided to give the suburb its own Diwali festival and the first celebration was held in October 2015 in collaboration with Selwyn District Council.
While the festival had a break due to Covid, it was back this year and was supported by the community members visiting in full strength.
The Lincoln Event Center started to fill up from 4:00 PM with families, most of them wearing traditional Indian attire.
The event was opened by Sir Mark Solomon KNZM, along with karakia from Sally Pitama.
Other dignitaries included Selwyn MP Nicola Grigg, Tracy Mclellan MP, Councillor Debra Hasson, Councillor Sophie McInnes, Ex-mayor of Selwyn Michael McEvedy JP, QSO, Knight of Order of St John.
Set up in the Indian Expo style, the venue had 20 stalls, representing Art, Culture, Beauty, Fashion, Business, food. All of the stalls were busy with people checking out the colourful wares on display. The stalls were by Ami’s Heena & Beauty, Flaunt Collections, Kanika’s Fashion World, Riwaaj Dresses, Kasey’s Exotic Collection, Mobile Zone, Rasleen SKM- Financial Advisors, Harmandeep Ray White, Homes by Parklane, Gill Joinery,Tasha decorators, Novelty Restaurant, Top in Town, Nora’s kitchen, Yummy Yummy Treats, Chaiwali.
All of the stalls were busy with people checking out the colourful wares on display.
and at activities and trade stalls.
There was a vast range of activities that kept everyone engaged. There was rangoli, block printing, diya painting, candle making and other craft activities for children.
The beautifully decorated stage was packed with local talent showcasing some brilliant cultural performances. Starting with Kapa Haka, there were segments of traditional, semiclassical, instrumental, contemporary and folk dance and songs representing cultures of various states of India and also from other countries that celebrate Diwali. There was spectacular fireworks display to cap off the evening.
Performing groups were Lincoln High School Kapa haka Group, Revathi Performing Arts, Zealandia Academy, Bharatnatyam Group of Christchurch, Bhangra Fitness, Island Girls, Bhullar Brothers, Samreen Pannu, Bihu by Bonya, Burnside Primary Indian Cultural Group, Joshua and Group, Liam Oliver and Group, Food Art Science- Maston ka Jhund, Happy Feet, RDDC Kids and adult group, Aggarwal group, NNZFS of Canterbury, Pinoy Cares, Dancing Divas, Bollyfeet, Reene Lee dance, Laasya, Nadanam, Soul Star Tribe, Bhangra Fitness group, Desigirls New Zealand
The event played a huge part in fostering social cohesion and bringing the multiple communities of Selwyn together in a fun-filled festive setting.
“We are delighted to celebrate one of our most beloved festivals here in New Zealand. In India, we are surrounded by family and friends on this special day. Similarly, at the festival this year it was great to have the entire community come together and celebrate with each other. Being welcomed, acknowledged, and having the support of the larger community is very heartwarming. We are grateful to our sponsors and the entire organising team for making the event possible,” says Archna Tandon.