A performance during Selwyn's Diwali celebration in November. Photo: Supplied / Selwyn Diwali
A round-up of community activities from across the country:
Selwyn Diwali lights up Lincoln Domain
Thousands attended the Diwali celebration in Selwyn near Christchurch on 9 November, with visitors getting a taste of India's regional diversity as well as New Zealand's increasing multiculturalism.
"We had over 40 stage performances involving over 250 performers of all ages," said Archna Tandon, president of the Canterbury Indian Women Group, which was one of the organisers. "These covered kapa haka, devotional, classical, semi-classical, contemporary, Bollywood, folk, hip-hop as well as a fashion show."
There were more than stalls on offer showcasing art, activity, business and food, giving visitors a culinary experience of cuisines from India and other parts of the world. The evening ended with a spectacular fireworks display.
"The Indian community in Selwyn aims to develop a unique event that showcases the incredible diversity of our culture through traditional festival activities, art, music, dance and food," Tandon said. "We enjoy sharing our culture with the wider community, and Selwyn continues to be very supportive of this festival. We've seen it grow in popularity over the years."
Further south, the Dunedin Indian Association also celebrated the city's Diwali Festival at the Edgar Centre on the same day. The highlight of the event was a cultural fashion show depicting the regional attire, language, music and dances from various parts of India.
Photo: Supplied
Pakistan community celebrates Diwali
Sindhi Sangat New Zealand hosted the first-ever Diwali celebration organised by the Pakistani community in Auckland on 10 November.
Attended by more than 100 people from the Sindhi diaspora (of Pakistani and Indian origin), the evening provided an avenue for Sindhis to celebrate their culture as well as celebrate one of the most important festivals in the Hindu calendar, said Manoj Rathi, president of Sindhi Sangat New Zealand.
"For the first time in New Zealand, Indian Sindhis and Pakistani Sindhis united in celebration, creating a truly historic and heart-warming moment," he said.
"This unique gathering showcased the shared roots, cultural heritage and deep historical bonds of the Sindhi community," he said.
"It bridged geographical and cultural divides, fostering unity, mutual respect and a shared legacy of Sindh.
"We took immense pride in showcasing the rich culture and heritage of Pakistan to New Zealand's multicultural communities."
The evening concluded with a communal meal.
The Auckland Tamil Association also organised its own Deepavali Kondattam festival on 16 November, showcasing the rich traditions and cultural heritage of the Tamil community in New Zealand.
A similar event was organised by the Hindu Foundation of New Zealand on 30 November, where vedic mantras and hymns made for a memorable occasion.
Photo: Supplied
Funds raised for the Starship Foundation
The NZ Punjabi Multimedia Trust has raised more than $12,000 for the Starship Foundation on the occasion of the 555th anniversary of the birth of Guru Nanak, founder of the Sikh faith.
During the Gurupurab Radiothon organised on RadioSpice (owned by the Trust) on 15 November, hosts Parminder Singh and Navtej Randhawa called on listeners to make live donations in an attempt to raise at least $10,000.
"We set out to raise $10,000 ... thanks to the overwhelming support from our community, we raised a remarkable $12,551, which was donated to the Starship Foundation and will go [towards] supporting the children and families served by it," Singh said.
Gina Ferguson, community fundraising manager of the foundation, hailed the donation.
"This [donation] is a true reflection of the spirit of giving that embodies the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev ji, who stressed the importance of selfless service to humanity, compassion and kindness," Ferguson said.