Diwali is just around the corner, bringing a kaleidoscope of colours, delicious food, and the magic of fireworks and lights wherever you’re celebrating.
If you’re in New Zealand this Diwali, there are plenty of events taking place. Here are some of the best ways to celebrate Diwali from Auckland to Wellington, and how to enjoy the festivities with family across the world.
When is Diwali 2023?
This year, the five days of festivities will begin on 10 November with Diwali, or Deepavali, falling on 12 November.
Celebrating Diwali in New Zealand
Hinduism is the second-largest religion in New Zealand, with more than 100,000¹ Hindus across the country.
Thousands in New Zealand are expected to take part in the Diwali celebrations this year. Here are some of the best Diwali festivities taking place across New Zealand.
Auckland
- Auckland Diwali Festival is one of the biggest Diwali celebrations in New Zealand. Expect plenty of music, dance, and Indian delicacies in Aotea Square and Queen Street during the two-day extravaganza on Saturday, 4 and Sunday, 5 November from 12pm-9pm. Vector Lights even light up the iconic Auckland Harbour Bridge.
- For little ones, the Kids Diwali Celebration in Auckland is taking place at Barrhead Place on Saturday, 18 November from 5pm-9:30pm. This year’s theme is animals in Hinduism, with an abundance of carnival rides, classic games, captivating stage shows and Indian food.
- Manukau Diwali is back at Due Drop Events Centre on Sunday, 29 October from 1pm-9pm. Join us for Bollywood dance competitions, live performances, food stalls, and a spectacular fireworks display. Don’t forget to pop by the Western Union stall for some goodies!
Wellington
- Wellington will be illuminated for the Diwali Festival of Light on Sunday, 29 October from 2pm-8:30pm. The capital plays host to non-stop entertainment, food stalls, henna art, lantern making and more in the TSB Arena and Shed 6.
- The Wellington Diwali Fireworks will light up the sky after the day of festivities at 8:45pm.
Tauranga
- Tauranga Diwali Festival returns for its fourth year, bringing a packed schedule of South Asian musical showcases.
Christchurch
- Diwali Christchurch promises to be the biggest event yet, returning to North Hagley Park on Saturday, 21 October from 2pm-9pm. The jam-packed event will feature traditional food, performances, and end with an impressive firework display.
Hamilton
- Diwali is coming to Hamilton Lake for the first time, courtesy of the Waikato Indian Cultural Society. Head down on Saturday, 11 November for the Waikato Diwali Mela from 4pm-8:30pm for a range of family activities.
Don’t forget to connect with your local community. You might find more exciting Diwali festivities planned at your local temples and in your neighbourhood. You can even organise your own celebration!
Celebrate Diwali with family – wherever they are
Diwali is a wonderful occasion for friends and family to come together.
There’s nothing like celebrating with those you love most, but holidays can make you miss far-away family members more than usual. Here are some ideas to help you stay connected to your loved ones, no matter how far apart you are.
Give Diwali gifts that transcend borders
You might exchange traditional Diwali gifts with loved ones during the celebratory season, like Ganesh and Lakshmi coins, jewellery, dried fruits, and idols.
If you’re sending gifts this Diwali, it’s understandable to worry about precious items being lost in the mail, or your gifts being too large to send, especially when sending overseas.
Sending money to India or anywhere else globally is a fast and secure way to help make your loved ones’ celebrations extra special. If you know someone who particularly honours Lakshmi at this time of year, a gift of wealth may feel especially appropriate.
Western Union makes transferring money internationally simple, quick, and convenient. Choose the best money transfer option for you, whether it’s online, using our app, or in-store at an agent location. If your loved ones would prefer to collect their Diwali gift in cash, you can send money to one of our 500,000+ agent locations across the world for collection.
We’ve been trusted for over 170 years to deliver funds to loved ones around the world, so you can transfer with peace of mind this Diwali.
Top 3 Diwali activities to connect with your global family
1. Get cooking
Set up a video group chat and cook your favourite Diwali dishes together, like laddu, jalebi, and gulab jamun. Need both hands? Place your phone on a tripod or someplace secure that shows you and your cooking station. If your family is competitive, give out prizes for the fastest cook, the best presentation and the best cooking hacks.
Want to know how to cook these delicious Indian dishes? Why not sign up for an online cooking class together?
2. Light diyas together
Video call your loved ones as you light your diyas together this year. You can also stay connected virtually as you get creative by making your own diya decorations – perfect for getting little ones involved in the Diwali celebrations.
3. A rangoli and cleaning contest
If you’re cleaning your home to encourage Lakshmi to enter this Diwali, why not make it a family competition? If your family has children who need an extra nudge to tidy up, this is the perfect way to encourage them. You can share your spotless home with family around the world via video chat or take before and after photos to showcase your cleaning skills. May the cleanest home win!
You can also compete to create the best rangoli to welcome Lakshmi into your home. Get creative with colours and designs to decorate your doorstep for the celebrations.
