Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Local Govt | National News Video | Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Search

 

Diwali celebration to light up Christchurch on 25 October

Diwali celebration to light up Christchurch on 25 October


Colour and grace: Seema Sharma performs with the Giddha group.

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.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

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).


ends

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.