Auckland’s Diwali Festival Introduces Ticketed Events This Year

Organisers of Auckland’s Diwali festival have announced the introduction of ticketed events for the first time in its history. This year, the festival will take place in Aotea Square and along Queen Street on October 11 and 12, 2024. Since its inception in 2002, this vibrant celebration has highlighted both traditional and contemporary music, dance, food, and crafts, attracting thousands to the city’s central business district.

The festival’s programme promises an exciting array of Indian cultural performances spanning three stages. Attendees can look forward to theatre, music, dance, exhibitions, art installations, yoga classes, and Bollywood films. For the inaugural ticketed events, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited has planned a series of performances at Auckland Town Hall, Aotea Centre, and Q Theatre starting on October 5.

One of the standout events is “Bollywood Meets Jazz,” featuring renowned jazz pianist Ben Fernandez collaborating with the Auckland Jazz Orchestra at Auckland Town Hall. Scheduled for October 5, Fernandez aims to present Bollywood tunes in a jazz format, devoid of traditional Indian instruments. “My vision was to have Bollywood tunes played by a jazz orchestra without any Indian instruments,” he stated. He believes that music transcends cultural boundaries, making it accessible to all audiences.

Fernandez has spent two years refining the material for this show, which he describes as “a fun performance.” The festival also features a concert by Indian singer-songwriter Lucky Ali on October 12 at Aotea Centre, alongside the Miss India NZ beauty pageant on October 10 at Auckland Town Hall.

Another highlight of the festival includes “Ram Leela: A Timeless Tale of Valour and Devotion of Lord Rama,” directed and choreographed by Anuradha Ramkumar. This production, featuring over 120 performers, will take place on October 11 at Auckland Town Hall. On the same day, audiences can also experience “Kundalini – The Awakening,” an Odissi dance production performed by Sam Goraya, Samir Panigrahi, and Santosh Ram.

During the two-day festival, guests can engage in a Bollywood Dance Battle, enjoy light projections in Aotea Square, and view illuminated art installations in Freyberg Place and Khartoum Place. The celebration will culminate with a spectacular fireworks display on October 12.

Nick Hill, chief executive of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, expressed the significance of the festival: “The BNZ Auckland Diwali Festival is one of the region’s most popular and beloved festivals. Events like this strengthen our community connections, recognise the contribution our diverse population makes to Auckland, support local businesses, and contribute to the vibrancy of our city centre.”

The festival drew approximately 65,000 attendees in 2023, reflecting its importance in the cultural fabric of Auckland. Hill noted that the event allows everyone, regardless of background, to partake in this joyful cultural tradition. “With tens of thousands of Aucklanders attending every year, we’re proud to deliver one of Aotearoa’s largest cultural festivals to the region on behalf of Auckland Council,” he added.

The Auckland Diwali festival opens its gates on October 11 and 12, from midday to 21:00, inviting both locals and visitors to partake in the celebrations.