Wellington Diwali Festival of Lights 2023 lights up the city with cultural brilliance

The Wellington Diwali Festival of Lights 2023, held on 29 October 2023, illuminated the city with an extraordinary display of cultural unity, diversity, and artistic prowess. Inaugurated by Mayor of Wellington Tory Whanau, High Commissioner of India Neeta Bhushan, Deputy Leader of the National Party Nicola Willis and Member for Hutt South from the National Party Chris Bishop, this year's event stood out as a beacon of the city's rich tapestry of cultures and communities.

Diverse performances took centre stage
One of the major highlights of the festival was the array of mesmerising performances that spanned across genres. Whether it was the elegance of traditional dances or the pulsating rhythms of Bollywood and Bhangra, the stage was set alight by local and regional artists. Their representations of traditional, contemporary, folk, fusion, and Bollywood dance forms truly encapsulated the heart and soul of India's rich cultural heritage.

Retail extravaganza offered a slice of India
Attendees were treated to a mini-India right in the heart of Wellington, with 18 retail stalls showcasing the nation's vibrant arts, crafts, fashion, and henna designs. Every stall, with its unique offerings, transported visitors to the bustling markets of India, proving a hit among those keen on taking home a piece of the festival.

TSB Arena Witnessed overwhelming response

The pulse of the festival was undoubtedly felt strongest at the TSB Arena, which saw a constant influx of visitors from start to finish. Shed 6, hosting 17 food stalls, became a hotspot for food enthusiasts, with the enticing aromas of Indian spices drawing in massive crowds throughout the day.

Fireworks display lit up the Wellington skyline
The grandeur of the festival reached its zenith as a spectacular fireworks display illuminated the Wellington waterfront. With the sky adorned in vibrant colours, the display was a fitting conclusion to an event that celebrated life, light, and unity.

Festival embodied Wellington's cultural diversity
What truly set this festival apart was its embodiment of Wellington's diverse community spirit. People from all backgrounds converged to revel in the festivities, making it a melting pot of cultures.

Murali Kumar, the festival's organiser and founder of Communities Action Trust NZ, encapsulated this sentiment, stating, "The festival was buzzing. With our wider communities of Wellington in attendance, it was a truly diverse representation of our communities, showcasing social inclusion! A proud event for all."

Produced by Communities Action Trust NZ (CATNZ) and supported by the Wellington City Council, Lion Foundation, Indian Weekender, and Radio Tarana, the festival also focused on engaging the younger generation. Numerous activities, including traditional Indian lantern (diya) crafting, allowed children to connect with and understand their heritage better.

The Wellington Diwali Festival of Lights 2023 has set a new benchmark for cultural celebrations in the city. With its successful blend of tradition and modernity, the event has paved the way for future editions and further solidified Wellington's reputation as a hub of cultural inclusivity.