Record turnout at BNZ Auckland Diwali 2023

New Zealand’s biggest Diwali extravaganza set a new record this year, with organisers saying initial estimates indicate nearly 120,000 people attended the annual festive gala in Auckland CBD.

The bumper turnout at BNZ Auckland Diwali Festival 2023 tops the figure from last year when the gala recorded a footfall of 100,311, say organisers.

Since its inception in 2002, the festival has been a vibrant showcase, featuring traditional and contemporary music and dance as well as stalls offering food and crafts.

This year, the Nov 4-5 event expanded even further, with three venues featuring 150 performances prepared to delight and engage festivalgoers.

Food stalls served a range of Indian delicacies and street food, from chaat to dhokla to chhole bhature to idli-dosa, offering a tantalizing culinary journey for attendees.

The dance competition and performances were the main draw of the festival, captivating the audience with their vibrant colors, rhythms, and storytelling through dance. From traditional classical dances to contemporary Bollywood performances, the stage was alive with talent and creativity.

Among the dignitaries present were incoming Prime Minister Chris Luxon, Honorary Consul of India in Auckland Bhav Dhillon, ACT's Rahul Chopra, and Auckland's Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson, along with a string of Members of Parliament and other VIPs. Their presence highlighted the significance of the event in the cultural fabric of Auckland and New Zealand as a whole.

Organizers of the event expressed their delight at the overwhelming response in a social media post: “We’re thrilled to announce that this year, we set a NEW RECORD with a whopping 120,000 joining us to celebrate the Festival of Lights! Huge thanks to everyone who came to share the joy of Diwali with us. You made this year's festival truly unforgettable!”

The festival not only highlighted the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Auckland but also promoted unity and the spirit of coming together to celebrate diversity. The event encourages a sense of togetherness and understanding among different communities in Auckland, fostering cultural richness.