BNZ Auckland Diwali Festival 2023

Overview

This weekend marks Diwali, an occasion celebrated throughout India and Indian communities all over the world. Diwali, which is also known as Deepavali, signifies achieving light over darkness, good over evil and revival of life, something that may come as a comfort to many Kiwis right now.

The BNZ Auckland Diwali Festival will be held across Saturday, November 4 and Sunday, November 5, spread across Aotea Square and Queen Street in Auckland's CBD. The festival team is pulling out all the stops to celebrate, with the festival expected to attract more than 100,000 people, making it one of Auckland's largest cultural celebrations.

The weekend is jam-packed with shows, food and activities celebrating India's vibrant culture, including 150 performances hosted across three different stages. And if you want to get among the action, give the Bollywood dance competition a go — the New Zealand Police is.

Food is a huge part of Indian culture, and you'll have the chance to try a range of savoury and sweet treats from the 30 food vendors. After you've fuelled up, may we suggest browsing through the many clothes stalls at the festival? Everything from modern Indian silk saris to jewellery, handbags and shoes will be up for sale.

If you want to flex your creative chops, give Rangoli a go. Rangoli is a form of Indian art and is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to those who practice it. The colourful patterns in the artwork have been passed down through generations, and you will have the opportunity to learn how to create these incredible patterns yourself.

The weekend will finish with a literal bang, as audiences will be treated to a dazzling fireworks display.