Bharatiya Samaj Queenstown Charitable Trust and social enterprise The Parakeets, with the support of Queenstown Lakes District Council, hosted a vibrant celebration of Diwali.
The event not only celebrated the rich traditions of Diwali but also placed a strong emphasis on promoting sustainability, marking a significant milestone as the country’s first environmentally sustainable Diwali celebration.
More than 1,000 people from diverse communities across Aotearoa gathered to experience the joyous festivities, immersed in art, culture, dance, music, food and illuminations.
Queenstown Lakes District Council Mayor Glyn Lewers emphasised the shared commitment between India and New Zealand to environmental sustainability. “Tonight, we see some of that goal in action,” he said, expressing the council’s desire to further reduce the event’s carbon footprint and landfill waste.
Southland MP Joseph Mooney acknowledged the region’s diversity and commended the event for bringing communities together.
Mangal Behal, President of Bhartiya Samaj Queenstown Charitable Trust, highlighted the event’s role in raising awareness about environmental sustainability. He expressed pride in successfully engaging the community in discussions and understanding sustainability practices.
Poonam Sethi, the trust’s vice president, emphasised the importance of Diwali celebrations in uniting communities and educating younger generations about their cultural heritage.
Bhartiya Samaj Queenstown Charitable Trust Chairperson Jeet Suchdev, who travelled from Auckland, expressed his delight in witnessing the significance of Diwali in New Zealand. He noted the festival has become a unifying force for diverse communities across the country.
Tushar Chandrashekhar Gaikwad, Director of The Parakeets, described Queenstown Diwali as a pioneering step towards incorporating environmental sustainability into cultural celebrations. He highlighted the use of eco-friendly decorations and cutlery, demonstrating the community’s commitment to sustainability.
The event received generous support from Queenstown Lakes District Council, Welcoming Communities, Community Trust South, Pub Charity Limited, Central Lakes Trust, Air Rescue, NZ Mortgages, Generations Homes Canterbury, Super Liquor, Radio Sadeaala, India Live, TomTom and Novelty Sweets.