Archived: Diwali Celebrations in the City Centre

Diwali is an important Hindu cultural festival of lights celebrating the spiritual victory of good over evil and light over darkness.

The Diwali celebrations in the city centre are a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the wonders of Indian culture from street food and traditional crafts to Bollywood dance and the Hindi language. 

These are the events that we think you should check out during the festival.

Auckland Diwali Festival
20 & 21 October, from 12pm, Aotea Square

This free, family friendly festival celebrating Indian culture has become a staple on the Auckland event calendar. It returns for 2018 with a vast range of authentic Indian foods and sweets, live music, dance performances and activities for the kids. A must-see event if you're staying in town for the long weekend. 

Vector Lights for Diwali Festival
18 - 21 October 2018, from 8pm to midnight, Auckland Harbour Bridge

The Auckland Harbour Bridge will come to life with a spectacular light show to celebrate the festival. Queen Street Lights that are now gracing the trees in some parts of the city centre will link up with the Vector Lights programme to add to the celebratory atmosphere on the street.   

Diwali at the Ellen Melville Centre
19 October, 10am, 1 Freyberg Place

The Ellen Melville centre will host a series of fun free activities ahead of the weekend's street festival. Get into the spirit of Diwali with DIY henna or mehndi, sari wrapping workshops, rangoli pattern drawing and interactive digital Hindi language games. A selection of delicious Indian treats will also be on offer.

The Merchants of the Bollywood
19 - 21 October, The Civic

Experience next level Bollywood dancing at this incredible international production taking over The Civic during the festival weekend. Featuring all the glitz, glamour, song, dance and romance that we know as Bollywood, The Merchants of Bollywood has been enjoyed by more than 3 million people worldwide with three sold-out London West End seasons.

For the best tips on how to get into the city centre for Diwali, check out our Parking & Transport Guide here.