Christchurch South Asian community marks Holi and Diwali with thousands in attendance
South Asian communities across New Zealand gathered in their thousands to mark two of Hinduism's most celebrated festivals, with Holi drawing over 7,000 participants to Henderson and Diwali attracting more than 1,000 to Queen Elizabeth II Park in Christchurch. Both events were organised by established Indian community associations and featured traditional music, dance, festive food and cultural performances open to the wider public. Together they reflect the growing visibility and civic confidence of New Zealand's South Asian diaspora in the country's cultural calendar.
🎉 Holi draws over 7,000 to Henderson Trust Arena
More than 7,000 people attended one of Auckland's largest Holi celebrations in Henderson as South Asian communities across New Zealand marked the Festival of Colours. The event was organised by the Waitakere Indian Association and held at Henderson Trust Arena, where participants enjoyed coloured powders, music, dance and festive food. Thousands also gathered for the Holi Colour Splash at Tauranga's Memorial Park. While several Holi celebrations were held earlier in March, festivities continued across New Zealand through the end of the month. Holika Dahan was observed on 2 March, with bonfires lit to symbolise the victory of good over evil, followed by Rangwali Holi — also known as Dhulandi — on 4 March, when participants threw coloured water and powder as they sang, danced and shared festive foods. The festival also marks the arrival of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. This year Kumeu missed its customary opening of Auckland's Holi season with Krishna Holi due to construction work at a local temple. The celebration carries multiple mythological meanings: one legend tells of Prahlad, whose unwavering devotion to Lord Vishnu saved him from flames set by his malevolent aunt Holika, symbolising the triumph of good over evil and the importance of faith. A second popular legend recounts how Lord Krishna applied colours to Radha's face, beginning the tradition of smearing coloured powder that has since become central to the festival. [1]
🪔 Indian Social and Cultural Club brings Diwali to Queen Elizabeth II Park
More than 1,000 people turned out to celebrate Diwali, the Indian festival of lights, in Christchurch on Saturday. The event was organised by the Indian Social and Cultural Club and held at Queen Elizabeth II Park, featuring food, art and stage performances that showcased Indian culture, traditional dance and Bollywood numbers. Among those performing were members of the Timila Dance Academy Rising Stars, who entertained a large crowd before taking the stage for their routine. Gurdas Singh Sandhu from Hornby was among the many faces in the audience at the Saturday night celebration. Diwali is an ancient festival observed by people of Hindu faith around the world and is celebrated as a time to share stories, food and community. The festival falls in October or November each year depending on the lunar cycle and is observed on the 15th day of Kartik, the holiest month in the Hindu lunar calendar. Christchurch's event brought together South Asian families from across the city alongside the wider public, offering an opportunity to engage with one of Hinduism's most widely recognised celebrations through its colour, light and cultural performance. Dressed for the occasion at the event were community members including Dhwani Tupe, Surbhi Dafade, Sanika Patil and Kanan Yadav, all from Christchurch, highlighting the breadth of South Asian representation at the gathering. [4]