The excitement and energy level at the Auckland Diwali Festival was contagious. The music fostered movement both on-stage and in the crowd. It is a colourful, jubilant gathering of the sights and sounds of India.
We walked up from lower Queen Street, coming upon craft and clothing booths just past the Air New Zealand cockpit open for inspection at the corner of Wellesley Street. Cheering crowds and lively music drew us toward Aotea Square. We hadn’t been to the Auckland Diwali Festival in prior years. The huge crowds surprised me, as did finding much of Queen Street closed off for the event.
What is Diwali
(Quoting from the event programme): It is also known as The Festival of Lights. Diwali signifies the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil and the renewal of life.
Diwali commemorates the return of Lord Rama, his wife and brother from their 14-year exile and their defeat of the demon-king Ravana. Villagers celebrated the return of Lord Rama and his family by setting off fireworks and lighting diyas (clay lamps) to guide their journey back to their kingdom.
Dancing on the Main Stage
On stage was a mix of traditional and Bollywood dance and vocal entertainment, including an exciting Bollywood competition. The high-energy atmosphere near the stage had just enough personal space to prevent that feeling of claustrophobia I get at rock concerts.
Diwali is New Zealand’s largest vegetarian festival
Eventually, we ventured to all-vegetarian Indian food booths. (Yes, the Auckland Diwali Festival is also the largest annual vegetarian food festival in New Zealand.)
Family fun crafts
In addition to the crafts, clothing, food, and entertainment, there was a sponsor area featuring opportunities to win a few cool prizes. I entered to win a domestic flight from Air New Zealand and $1000 from ASB, simply by taking specific selfies, adding hashtags and posting them on Facebook.
Dancing the night away
There is often an option for an Auckland festival on the weekends. Some of my other favourites are listed here.
Did you attend the Auckland Diwali Festival?
Holy Trinity Cathedral – Unassuming Exterior Hides a Gem
Sheldon Nesdale
January 23, 2016 at 4:02 amOh, I missed it I like Diwali Festival of Lights. And who doesn’t like the Indian food
Rhonda Albom
January 24, 2016 at 11:55 pmIt is quite a crowded festival, so the food lines were all pretty long.
Travelsito
November 6, 2015 at 9:18 amLooking forward to visiting New Zealand. Coming soooooon!
Rhonda Albom
November 6, 2015 at 4:39 pmHave you been here before? Which cities will you visit? You will love New Zealand.
Pam
October 30, 2015 at 3:11 amWhat an amazing festival. And your photos are gorgeous!
Larry
October 25, 2015 at 10:35 amLooks like you had an awesome time …. I love Indian food and culture!
Rhonda Albom
October 30, 2015 at 8:49 amNext year you need to attend this one 🙂
Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly
October 22, 2015 at 11:13 amThese pictures are FANTASTIC I feel like I was there. I have always wanted to visit India during the Diwali Festival, it’s so awesome you got a taste of it in Auckland! I live in NYC I wonder if they do one here? I need to look into it!
Rhonda Albom
October 22, 2015 at 1:06 pmI would imagine somewhere in New York City there would be a Diwali festival. You should have a bit of time to look as Auckland was a bit early.
Molly
October 22, 2015 at 3:45 amI love all the colours of their outfits. Looks like a really cool festival and well done with the weight loss that is seriously impressive
mollyxxx
Rhonda Albom
October 22, 2015 at 1:03 pmThanks Molly. It’s been an interesting journey.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
October 22, 2015 at 3:30 amI’m not sure if I would enjoy this. I’m not a vegetarian. I need meat Grrrrrrrrrrr. LOL The music and dancing and the amount of colours abound looks wonderful.
Enjoy your day Rhonda. See ya.
Cruisin Paul
Rhonda Albom
October 22, 2015 at 1:03 pmThe food was only a small part. And the normal restaurant are still open. You could get a meat pizza at Sals, or stop into Burger Fuel.
AJThompson
October 22, 2015 at 3:11 amSomeday I will go this festival! I’ve seen so many photos from it over the years–and it must be amazing!
Rhonda Albom
October 22, 2015 at 1:02 pmNext year. The positive energy fills the festival. You walk away feeling good. And it’s free.
shere
October 22, 2015 at 2:51 amWhat a colorful dresses!! In the town I live there isn’t Diwali festivals, but as we have a lot of colleagues from India, there’s always an event at work. But the first time I celebrated was in Germany during my university exchange as there was a good amount of students from India.
Rhonda Albom
October 22, 2015 at 1:01 pmI would imagine Germany does Diwali quite well.
Heartsie Girl
October 22, 2015 at 1:12 amWhat a wonderful festival to attend everything is so colorful, I bet the food was really good. I wish that I could attend these kinds of events, the ole body just doesnt cooperate.
Rhonda Albom
October 22, 2015 at 12:58 pmAt least you can visit them vicariously through me.
Deb Nance
October 22, 2015 at 12:10 amLove all the color!
Rhonda Albom
October 22, 2015 at 12:57 pmMe too 🙂
E
October 21, 2015 at 7:30 pmWoo! What great looking fun. I’ve never been to anything like that, and your descriptions make it even more enticing. Take me next time?
Emilyann
October 21, 2015 at 5:15 pmWay cool! I love live music and dance.
Rhonda Albom
October 21, 2015 at 9:42 pmI wish I could somehow share the music here too.
Sharon
October 21, 2015 at 4:50 pmWhat vibrant colors! Your photos capture this so well. I’m surprised about the vegetarian food. I’m a vegetarian and usually have trouble finding something I want to eat at festivals and fairs. Thanks for sharing this great Auckland tradition with us!
Rhonda Albom
October 21, 2015 at 9:42 pmMy daughter is the same, a vegetarian that often has trouble at festivals. This one was perfect for you and her.
Jay @CraftySpices
October 21, 2015 at 4:35 pmThis sure looks like a wonderful festival, filled with fun activities, music and bright colors. Festivals can be so much fun, it’s sad that we have not been to one in such a long time.
Rhonda Albom
October 21, 2015 at 9:41 pmWhat are you waiting for?
Kate
October 21, 2015 at 2:17 pmLooks like a very fun festival. Lots of beautiful colors in those costumes.
Rhonda Albom
October 21, 2015 at 9:41 pmComplimented by the lights in the background, they looked even better
Joyce
October 21, 2015 at 1:12 pmLooks like fun.
Rhonda Albom
October 21, 2015 at 9:41 pmIt was fun.
Alissa Apel
October 21, 2015 at 10:45 amThat does look like fun! I like the painted wall, and the lit up lines are so neat!
Rhonda Albom
October 21, 2015 at 9:40 pmThe lit up lines were colorful, but I had to overexpose to be able to see the crowd.
Rhonda Albom
October 21, 2015 at 9:16 amIt was vibrant.
Rhonda Albom
October 21, 2015 at 9:13 amThanks Kelleyn
Photo Cache
October 21, 2015 at 6:10 amFantastic coverage of the festival. I like festivals, although I find myself succumbing to claustrophobia more often than not.
Rhonda Albom
October 21, 2015 at 9:18 amI often do too, but there was a lot more personal space than would appear. Later in the evening when it got more crowded, I backed out of the crowd.
Robyn Engel
October 21, 2015 at 5:54 amThe dancers look so beautiful, and I love the group art project.
Keep enjoying it all, Rhonda.
Rhonda Albom
October 21, 2015 at 9:17 amThe best thing about that group project was that everyone kept it family friendly.
L. Diane Wolfe
October 21, 2015 at 5:22 amBrilliant action shots. Those can be so hard to catch. You have to balance shutter speed with ISO for enough speed and light.
Rhonda Albom
October 21, 2015 at 9:17 amVery true, I had to bring up the ISO quite a bit more than I like for outdoor shooting, plus I was a good distance from the stage.
Comedy Plus
October 21, 2015 at 3:48 amWhat a fun festival and I used to love doing these kinds of things. It’s just way too many people for me. That would not be fun. Not complaining about getting old, but the crowds just don’t do it for me anymore. Hubby and I both avoid them, and happily do so. I’m glad you had a great time.
Have a fabulous day and keep up the great work on your health. I’m so proud of you. ♥♥♥
Rhonda Albom
October 21, 2015 at 9:16 amThat is what I thought when I looked at the crowd, but there was a politeness and personal space I am not used to in crowds. From the distance, the people look like they are shoulder to shoulder, but once in the crowd it seemed okay.
Parent Club
October 21, 2015 at 3:22 amLooks like a fun day
Rhonda Albom
October 21, 2015 at 9:14 amIt was fun, day and evening.
Teresa from NanaHood
October 21, 2015 at 3:01 amYou will do great on Instagram because you are a superb photographer. That’s what it takes! Hugs to you across the sea!
Minoru
October 21, 2015 at 2:44 amHi! The festival looks very fun for all of them. I enjoyed your post very much. Thanks for sharing.
Rhonda Albom
October 21, 2015 at 9:13 amIt was fun for everyone. The dancers all had huge smiles, and the crowds were cheering and happy. Even the kids had smiles on their faces.
Nana Prah
October 21, 2015 at 1:33 amGorgeous photos. Looks like a good time.
image-in-ing
October 21, 2015 at 1:26 amThese are great shots! The colors are so vibrant and I can feel the energy.
Rhonda Albom
October 21, 2015 at 9:12 amI am glad I could capture the energy, that was one of my goals.
eileen
October 20, 2015 at 10:30 pmHello, A festival of lights sounds pretty. It looks like a fun day and event. Thanks for sharing, enjoy your week!
Rhonda Albom
October 21, 2015 at 9:11 amIt was impressive that it was so bright and colorful both day and night.
stevebethere
October 20, 2015 at 9:46 pmFab shots Rhonda interesting too, looked like great fun all looks so vibrant and colourful 🙂
Have a diwalitastic week & thanks for waltzing by 🙂
Rhonda Albom
October 21, 2015 at 9:10 amThanks Steve. It was interesting. It wasn’t really an educational event for the public, but rather a festival for those already celebrating, so most of the information here came from researching about it.
Feed Me Dearly
October 20, 2015 at 9:29 pmWow, loved your shots – thanks so much for sharing. Looks like such a glam event to visit… I bet you had loads of fun. 🙂
Rhonda Albom
October 21, 2015 at 9:09 amIt was pretty impressive, so much energy and happiness. I really did love it.
Hilary
October 20, 2015 at 8:40 pmHi Rhonda – what a great festival to be able to join in with .. and sample some of the foods … amazing colours – and just lovely to see …
Instagram will be perfect for you … great that you’re on there .. cheers Hilary
Rhonda Albom
October 21, 2015 at 9:08 amWhile my family could enjoy the food, I stuck to my eating plan. Too bad for me, but there is always next year. And thanks for the compliment.
Shiju Sugunan
October 20, 2015 at 7:35 pmCool photos. Diwali is a huge affair here in India.
The recipe you had asked for is here >> http://craniumbolts.blogspot.in/2015/10/licious-chefs-table-event-meat-meet.html?showComment=1445321531713#c1180953577505666705
Rhonda Albom
October 21, 2015 at 9:08 amI imagined it would be much bigger and brighter (and on the proper date) in India. I hope you share photos too. Thanks for the recipe!
Amy
October 20, 2015 at 7:12 pmVery cool, I haven’t ever been to one of those.
Rhonda Albom
October 21, 2015 at 9:06 amThe real Diwali isn’t for another few weeks, so plenty of time to check around and see if one exists.
Abrianna
October 20, 2015 at 6:53 pmWonderful colorful colors. I was a bit confused as I thought diwali was alter and I was glad to see you confirm that for me. Hope your health improves quickly.
Rhonda Albom
October 21, 2015 at 9:05 amI know there was some conflict with the community and the city about the date of the festival, but it seemed to have resolved quietly. I would have written about it, if I could find any information.
michelle C
October 20, 2015 at 5:38 pmlove the second and third photos, colour and expressions are beautiful. Maybe you should contact the organisers and see if they want to use your photos for promos next year or something.
Rhonda Albom
October 20, 2015 at 6:06 pm{{blush}} Thanks Michelle. Great idea to send it through to ATEED, although they had their own photographers right up on stage.
Sue Slaght
October 20, 2015 at 4:47 pmRhonda as I read your post I was thinking I would comment on how your eloquent writing made me feel as though I was right with you. Then I thought I would comment on your photography talents. Then I clicked on the link to your ‘diagnosis’. As your request as a fellow blogger I can certainly take you virtually with us. We often have several readers in our backpacks. 🙂 I will do my best to make you laugh. Congrats on your incredible weight loss! My very best wishes to you. I have followed you on Instagram and having not started that long ago myself I would be happy to chat if that would be helpful.
Rhonda Albom
October 20, 2015 at 6:03 pmThanks Sue, glad to take you with me. The original diagnosis is about five months old, but I just got it confirmed with tests a few weeks ago. We were hoping I had lost enough to put it into remission, but it doesn’t always happen that way. I am no longer letting it get me down. Laughter is good, but I am also keeping really positive and completely falling in love with my city all over again. If I have to be stuck somewhere, New Zealand is a pretty good choice. 🙂
I am day 3 on Instagram, so any guidance would be welcomed.
Alex J. Cavanaugh
October 20, 2015 at 1:12 pmColorful indeed! You got some great shots of the dancers. Don’t think I’ve seen a festival like that in the States.
Rhonda Albom
October 20, 2015 at 5:59 pmThanks Alex. I was pleased with them, as without a media pass I was just out there in the crowd. Diwali is actually on 11 November, so keep an eye out.
Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor
October 20, 2015 at 12:58 pmLooks like a great event. I love Indian food so I’m sure I would have been in heaven with all the food vendors.
Rhonda Albom
October 20, 2015 at 5:58 pmDid you got to Diwali last year? Parking was the worst part but that wouldn’t have been a problem for you. We parked down by the Maritime Museum as I am into walking.
Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor
October 20, 2015 at 10:22 pmI’ve never been – can you believe that!? Shame I missed it 🙁
Rhonda Albom
October 21, 2015 at 9:11 amYou will be back. You can go then.