Topic: Diwali 2008-Indian Cultural Society
Topic Type: Organization
Indian Cultural Society Waikato Inc, has been celebrating Diwali - the festival of lights in Hamilton, New Zealand for the past 18 years.
Enthusiastically celebrated by people of all nationalities, races and religions. The word Diwali or Deepavali means ‘a row of lamps'. Diwali, the festival of lights, creates a magical world of joy and festivity. It celebrates the victory of good over evil - and the glory of light over darkness. Diwali is celebrated to commemorate the return of Lord Rama, Sita and Laxman after fourteen years of exile. Shiri Guru Hargovind Sahib ji also returned from the Mogul emperor's prison along with fity-two Hindu Kings to Amritsar, Punjab in India. Thus the festivities, rejoicing and lighting of diyas all over India.
Diwali marks new beginnings and a renewal of commitment to family values, and represents joy, love, reflection, resolution, forgiveness, light and knowledge. The growing ethnic and cultural diversity of Hindu and Sikh religion throughout the world and in New Zealand provides the opportunity for Kiwis and Indians to participate in the celebrations and rituals of Diwali festival togather.
Indian Cultural Society has been celebrating Diwali - the festival of lights in Hamilton for past 18 years. This festival was first started in 1990. The lighting of traditional lamps by the chief guest is followed by a comprehensive cultural programme of Indian bollywood and classical dances done by the Indian children and women. The cultural society has been providing a valuable oppourtunity to the migrant Indian children to know and keep in touch with their Indian culture and values.
Meet the Committee
About Indian Cultural Society
Past Celebrations
This year the Diwali festival was held at the Founder's Theatre in Hamilton and well attended by over 1100 people not only from Hamilton, but Auckland, Cambridge, and Te Awamutu. It was virtual explosion of bright Indian traditional saris, jewellery and a festive atmosphere.
This is what some of enthusiastic participants had to say about this year's celebrations
Dr. Ghani , President of the Waikato Ethnic Council said " It is coming togather as a community " Listen
Cathy & Rosa from Hamilton said " We are attending it for the first time.We have read about Diwali in school, learnt to make barfi's and diya's. We are here to enjoy the dances, experience the culture and just love the Indian saris and fabrics"
Roger from Hamilton said " I love the Indian culture, the colour and have enjoyed Diwali in Delhi. I have come three times to this function to get a little taste of India"
Aron from Cambridge said " I come here for the colour ,dance, enjoy the culture and just love the food!!"
Rohini from Hamilton articulated " Diwali is a festival of ligts, we cook sweets and light candles. I have been coming to this function for past six years for the entertainment. Diwali in Fiji is different as we can light firecrackers as well."
Participants at the 2008 Diwali function
Bollywood Dance Indian classical dance
Bhangra Dance Welcome Speech
