The BNZ Auckland Diwali Festival returns, lighting up Aotea Square, Queen Street, and Rutland Street with vibrant colour and joyful celebration on 11 and 12 October 2025.
Inspired by Diwali—also known as Deepawali, the festival of light triumphing over darkness, good over evil, and wisdom over ignorance—this two-day event brings together the best of Indian culture.
Dive into a lively celebration of culture and creativity at this family-friendly festival, where traditional and contemporary performances light up three stages alongside theatre, music, dance, art, yoga, exhibitions, installations and Bollywood films. With delicious vegetarian food, hands-on workshops for all ages, and a spectacular Sunday night fireworks finale, the event proudly remains smoke-free, alcohol-free, and entirely vegetarian.
BNZ Auckland Diwali Festival Fireworks
BNZ Auckland Diwali Festival Chill Out zone
BNZ Auckland Diwali Festival Food
Performance lineup:
Bollywood Meets Jazz | 7 OCT | $30 - $50
Immerse yourself in this trailblazing musical fusion, debuting in Aotearoa with jazz maestro Ben Fernandez and the dynamic Auckland Jazz Orchestra.
Iconic Bollywood songs are transformed through vibrant jazz arrangements, blending rich harmonies and rhythmic improvisation. It’s an electrifying journey where East meets West in sound.
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Lucky Ali | 12 OCT | $79 - $159
Embark on a musical journey with iconic Indian singer-songwriter Lucky Ali, as he performs his greatest hits and soulful anthems live.
With a career spanning over 30 years, his signature voice and acoustic storytelling have made him a cultural icon across generations. This magical performance is a must for lovers of world music, timeless songwriting, and soulful expression.
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Miss IndiaNZ | 10 OCT | $32 - $62
Miss IndiaNZ is back at Auckland Town Hall, promising a dazzling evening of tradition, storytelling, and style.
More than just a pageant, it’s a celebration of cultural pride and self-expression, spotlighting rising talent in acting, modelling, and performance. With local dancers, singers, and musicians lighting up the stage, it’s a vibrant showcase of Aotearoa’s creative spirit.
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Ram Leela | 11 OCT | $25 - $40
Experience an epic retelling of the Ramayana brought to life by over 100 performers in dazzling costumes and breathtaking choreography.
This powerful production weaves Bharatanatyam, classical, and folk dance with theatrical storytelling, guiding audiences through Lord Rama’s journey and the timeless triumph of good over evil.
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Kundalini - The Awakening | 5 OCT | $20 - $45
Immerse yourself in a groundbreaking dance and music production rooted in the sacred wisdom of Tantra—a spiritual science that bridges the earthly and the divine.
Through evocative movement and sound, the show explores how the human body mirrors the cosmos, guiding seekers toward self-realization and the expansion of consciousness.
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BNZ Auckland Diwali Festival is an Auckland Council Event, delivered by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, a council-controlled organisation. Click here to see the full programme.