Light fantastic
Diwali is a New Year for Indians, says past President of the New Zealand Indian central association Ratilal Champaneri.
“It’s a vibrant festival of colour that goes for 14 days and New Zealanders are celebrating it more and more,” he explains, “It commemorates the return of Lord Rama from 14 years in exile.”
Each day of Diwali represents one year that Lord Rama was in exile.
This year an exhibition of portraits of Wellington’s Indian community painted by artist-in-residence Swaroop Mukerji is a feature. Manipuri classical Indian dancers from the JN Manipur Dance Academy are to perform wearing colourful costumes featuring mirrors and zari embroidery woven into intricate designs.
Artist Ranjan Kumar Ganguly, who carved the images of Indian gods and goddesses out of sand on the beach of the coastal town of Jagannath Puri, Orissa, as a youngster, will be in town.
The Chennai-based Indian Puppeteers will use two metre high puppets to play out the tale of the brave monkey king, Hanuman, who leads an army of monkeys to rescue Lord Rama’s wife, Sita, from the clutches of the 10-headed demon king Lord Ravana.
During the festival, celebrants traditionally wear new clothes and share sweet treats with friends and family.
Diwali Garbha, TSB Bank arena, 8pm,
October 15.
Diwali Mela Day and Bollywood competition, TSB Bank Arena, October 16.









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