Diwali celebration to light up Christchurch on 25 October
Diwali celebration to light up Christchurch on 25 October
Photo
credit: Michael Rist photography.
Christchurch’s Indian community love to celebrate their rich heritage and Diwali, the traditional festival of lights, is when they get to share their colourful cultures with the rest of the city. Everyone is invited to the Singapore Airlines Christchurch Diwali on 25 October at Horncastle Arena.
Sample traditional cuisine from the four corners of the subcontinent, watch glittering traditional and contemporary performances and dress up in saris and turbans at the event. At just $5, and under five-year-olds are free, this is a family friendly event with activities just for the children such as painting Diya clay pots.
The doors open at 3pm with 18 different food stalls offering a variety of familiar food and some dishes that are not commonly available in Christchurch. In India, street vendor food is commonplace and some of the more popular mouth-watering fare will be available at Diwali – try the popular sweet Jalebi, the north Indian fast food Papdi Chaat, Kadhi-Chawal (yogurt curry with rice), Rumali Roti the thin flatbread, several types of kebabs and much more.
The main stage entertainment begins at 5.15pm with the colourful costumes and lively music that is typical of Indian dance and music. With everything from the classical art of Bharathnatyam to contemporary Bollywood dance, traditional instruments and popular Indian music, there is plenty to enjoy. Plus there may be a few surprises along the way as well as the chance to win two return tickets to India.
Diwali is a time new beginnings and is celebrated throughout India. The deeper spiritual meaning is the awareness of the “inner light”, the pure quality called Atman within us all, as well as the triumph of light over darkness and wisdom over ignorance. In India, Diwali is a five day celebration; on the third and most important day many small clay lamps (called diyas) are lit. People also clean their house, give each other gifts and celebrate other rituals that vary from region to region.
Members of the Indian Social and Cultural Club
volunteer their time to organize Singapore Airlines
Christchurch Diwali in order to increase awareness of the
rich diversity of Indian culture, to build stronger ties
with local community groups and businesses and to celebrate
the new beginnings at the heart of this Indian festival of
lights. Diwali was opened to the wider public in 2010 and
has quickly grown to become a popular event on the
Christchurch calendar.
For more information see
www.diwalifestival.co.nz
Singapore Airlines Christchurch Diwali is on 25 October at Horncastle Arena from 3 – 9pm. Entry is $5 (under five-year-olds free).
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