Indians around the world come together to celebrate Diwali– the festival of lights, and New Zealand is no different. The Indian community in many major cities across the country marks this occasion with a variety of events, both small and grand in scale, reflecting their unique and vibrant traditions.
The Kiwi-Indian community of Southland celebrated Diwali in grand style at the ILT Stadium in Invercargill on November 4, 2023. Hosted by Indian Community Southland Inc.(ICS) and presented by G J Gardner Diwali, the event was a huge success, drawing an impressive crowd of nearly 6000 attendees throughout the day.
The event started with brief speeches from Mayor Nobby Clark and Elected MP of Invercargill, Penny Simmonds, along with other community leaders, who addressed the gathering and wished the Southland community a happy and prosperous Diwali.
The event’s theme, “Unity in Diversity,” resonated strongly as individuals from various backgrounds and walks of life congregated to revel in the festivities.
The highlight of the evening was a mesmerising performance by the renowned Kathak dancer and actress Meghranjani, who captivated the audience with her classical Indian dance. Attendees from as far as Te Anau eagerly anticipated and were enraptured by her captivating performance.
The captivating beats of Gidha and Bhangra charged up the venue, thanks to the incredible talent of the Hamilton dance group. Their performance got an enthusiastic following and filled the atmosphere with boundless energy. The impressive lineup of Indian dance forms on display delighted the audience, beautifully presenting rich Indian heritage.
The food at the event was another highlight. Delicious and diverse, it represented all regions of India. From the savoury flavours of the north to the aromatic spices of the south, the event offered a wide variety of sumptuous Indian cuisine.
Expressing his joy and gratitude, Vinay Sood, President of Indian Community Southland Inc., said, “Southland is home to over 2000 Kiwi Indians. Diwali is a momentous occasion for all Southlanders to come together and celebrate this significant festival with the Southland Indian families. We are immensely thankful to be a part of this burgeoning, warm-hearted Southland community.”
Vipul Sally, one of the core members of ICS, also emphasised the importance of such celebrations. “Events like these provide an invaluable opportunity for Southlanders of Indian origin to reconnect with their cultural heritage and roots,” he said.