This Diwali, immersive lightbox installations bring stories of South Asian identity, memory, and migration into the heart of the city centre.
Step into the glow of The Light Within by artists Abhi Chinniah and Sahana Rahman in Freyberg Square. Through fine art, documentary photography and textiles, the installation reflects on the evolving ways Diwali is celebrated across South Asian communities in Aotearoa - shaped by migration, family traditions, and cultural memory.
Just a short walk away in Khartoum Place / Te Hā O Hine Place off Lorne Street, you’ll find Deep दीप created by artists Jessie Kanji and Tarika Sabherwal. This installation explores Diwali as a layered narrative of ritual and renewal, drawing from devotional roots and making space for reimagining.
For more information on the artists featured and their works, make sure you check out the lightbox installations in Freyberg Square and Khartoum Place / Te Hā O Hine Place from 10 – 28 October.
Proudly supported by Auckland Council and the city centre targeted rate.
The BNZ Auckland Diwali Festival is back for 2025, bringing light, vivid colours and celebration to central Auckland on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 October.
The BNZ Auckland Diwali Festival is an Auckland Council Event, delivered by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited.
Park for $2.50 per hour, to a maximum of $10.50 on evenings and weekends at the Victoria St car park. Find out more.