Te Puke and Katikati Libraries celebrate Diwali Festival

Diwali in Katikati

Katikati's Indian community is celebrating Diwali on Friday, 26 October from 6pm-9pm - and is welcoming women and children to join in at the Katikati Library's community hub.

The main purpose of Diwali is the victory of truth over untruth. The light of knowledge, light of tolerance and light of right conduct.

This year Diwali celebrations to start with small Hindu and Sikh prayers as both have significance.

Indian children from Katikati Primary School will perform a traditional dance, followed by a girls' dance performance. A belly dancing group will wear Diwali theme dresses with lots of lights and they will dance on Indian songs.

• Indian food and drinks will be served.
• Tickets are $15 and available at the Hub.
• Women and children from all ethnic communities are welcome.

Te Puke library celebrates Indian festival

Te Puke is celebrating its ethnic diversity next month with festivities to mark Diwali - one of India's most important annual festivals.

The Indian festival of Diwali will be celebrated from 8-10 November at the Te Puke Library where staff are working with the local Indian community to bring the festival to life.

The initiative is part of the Welcoming Communities programme being piloted in the Western Bay of Plenty sub-region to encourage local residents to welcome newcomers and learn about the diverse cultures that settle in their communities

In India the Diwali festival is celebrated every November and honours the victory of good over evil and of brightness over darkness. Diwali is a time for introspection and to dispel the darkness of ignorance.

In Te Puke, there will be a Diwali display on show from 8-10 November.

On Thursday, 8 November, 10.30 - 11.30am, the colouring club will be working on Rangoli patterns which are used by Hindus at Diwali to guide Goddess Lakshmi into their homes. These naturally-themed patterns are created on the floor near the front door and are made from materials such as uncooked rice grains, sand and chalk.

On Saturday, 10 November, 10-11am Indian women will present a dancing display in the library.

Diwali is a five-day festival of lights celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across the world. The festival, which coincides with the Hindu New Year, celebrates new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. During the celebration, temples, homes, shops and office buildings are brightly illuminated.

Welcoming Communities coordinator Haidee Kalirai says that highlighting ethnic events of significance is a great way to increase understanding of the different cultures and their values.

"We encourage residents to come along and learn about this significant Indian celebration, which is of importance to a large Indian community in Te Puke," says Haidee.