The Indian Weekender, 27 October 2023

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4 NEW ZEALAND Friday, 27 October, 2023 Your ultimate guide to Diwali celebrations across Auckland Read online www.iwk.co.nz RAVI BAJPAI IN AUCKLAND Auckland Council is spreading the light this Diwali with a plethora of small and big celebrations across the city powered by its local board. From Papatoetoe to Mt Roskill to Harbour Bridge, the city will come alive with such activities as diya making workshops, Diwali melas, craft corners and storytelling sessions. Apart from its showstopper BNZ Diwali Festival at Aotea Square on November 4-5, Auckland Council is partnering with community organisations to hold small and big gatherings bringing people together across the city. The neighbourhood galas are all about making sure local communities understand celebrations, says Ella Kumar, Chair of Puketapapa Local Board Chair that is supporting a diya-making workshop in Mt Roskill. “It helps inclusiveness, and people get to know their neighbours. In Mt Roskill, we have a high percentage of South Asian population. "We have been supporting this Diwali celebration for five to seven years. “In the past, I have also been part of the big Diwali gala in Auckland Central [at Aotea Square]. To see something come local, to communities who can’t be in the city…to be able to participate in the festival is great.” The series of events leading up to the Festival of Lights is a way to recognise how the Kiwi-Indian community contributes to a diverse Auckland, says a Council official. DIWALI CELEBRATION DETAILS: Free food, performances, crafts, and stalls to browse – fun for the whole family! When: October 28, 12pm-4pm Venue: Roskill Youth Zone DIWALI MELA DETAILS: Drop in for a wonderful mix of Indian stories, costume, food and art. A Diwali treat for the whole family. DIWALI CELEBRATION DETAILS: Featuring amazing music and dance performances by local artists, the event promises a morning full of fun and festivity. When: October 28, 10.30am-12pm Venue: Blockhouse Bay Library WAITAKERE DIWALI MELA DETAILS: Get ready for a day filled with Diwali festivities. There will be dance, food, shopping and a spectacular fireworks display in the evening. When: October 28, 11am-3pm When: October 29, 11am-10pm Venue: Highland Park Library Venue: The Trusts Arena, Henderson VECTOR LIGHTS DIWALI STORYTIME DETAILS: Vector Lights will light up Auckland Harbour Bridge every 15 minutes from 8pm to midnight to mark the Festival of Lights. DETAILS: Drop in for a wonderful mix of Indian stories, costume, food and art. A Diwali treat for the whole family. When: October 30- Nov 5, 8pm-11.55pm When: November 1, 10am-11am Venue: Auckland Harbour Bridge Venue: Highland Park Library NAMASTE - HAPPY DIWALI DIWALI MELA 2023 DETAILS: Rangoli-inspired craft activities, henna designs, a photo booth, and a dress up station with many colourful Indian garments. DETAILS: Join us for Diwali celebration at Papatoetoe War Memorial Library with performances, henna, games, rangoli and food When: November 3, 3.30pm-5pm When: November 4, 11am-2pm Venue: Glen Eden Library Venue: Papatoetoe War Memorial Library CRAFT CORNER DIYA MAKING DETAILS: This Diwali, pop in and create a special rangoli elephant at our craft corner tables. Recommended for ages 4 years and above. DETAILS: Join us for a fun-filled afternoon crafting and decorating clay diyas together. When: November 4, 1pm-3pm When: November 13, 3.30pm-5pm Venue: Highland Park Library Venue: Mt Roskill Library GOT A BUSINESS IN SOUTH ISLAND? DO YOU WANT TO GROW IT BY FOCUSING ON THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT CUSTOMERS? TALK TO US. Call us for a customised advertising solution with Indian Weekender. Call at 022-3251630 Email sales@indianweekender.co.nz
Read online www.iwk.co.nz Friday, 27 October, 2023 NEW ZEALAND 5 PARNELL FESTIVAL OF ROSES Plant swaps to quiet room, new attractions at fest NAVDEEP KAUR MARWAH Parnell Festival of Roses is all set to paint Auckland with the colours and fragrances of blooming roses and a sense of community. The beloved community event, with a history spanning more than 30 years, is back in full swing, celebrating the vibrant blooms of the Parnell Rose Garden on November 5, 2023. Hosted by Waitematā Local Board, the free festival has always been a day of joy, unity, and horticultural celebration for Aucklanders. This year’s event promises many highlights that will captivate and entertain attendees of all ages. From cultural performances and food trucks to craft stalls and activities designed for the whole family, this festival is a true community affair. Talking to The Indian Weekender, Waitematā Local Board Chair Genevieve Sage says, “Parnell Festival of Roses has been around for more than 30 years and is an opportunity for the community to come together to celebrate the roses in full bloom while enjoying a festival atmosphere. This year, the festival retains its focus on the event’s roots—horticulture and roses.” This year, the festival has introduced several exciting new features. One of the most interesting is the ‘Cutting Swap’, a unique stall that allows plant enthusiasts to grow their own plant collection at the festival. “Bring along your plant cutting from home and swap it for something new! There is no limit on what you can bring–house plants, natives, fruit or veggies. The options are endless! It’s a fantastic way to expand the variety of one’s collection and promote community exchange. We’re excited about the cutting swap and seeing what the public brings along,” says Sage. For the first time, there will be a dedicated ‘Quiet Room’. Run by Spectroom, this space will offer a peaceful haven for attendees of all ages to take a break from the bustling festival atmosphere. The room, filled with sensory activities and helpful tools, will cater to those who need a moment of tranquillity. In addition to these novel additions, the festival welcomes Saving Hope Foundation, which will be on-site with adoptable puppies, offering visitors a chance to find a new family member. The attendees can also meet Steve and DJ, the friendly petting goats who love pets and photographs. Four creative community members have put significant effort into creating upcycled gardens for Upcycle Garden Challenge. Visitors are invited to admire their handiwork, with prizes to be awarded on the main stage. The event is not just about fun and entertainment; it offers a range of free workshops for those eager to delve deeper into gardening, sustainability, and growing their food. Workshops will be available for all age groups, from zumba and garba dance classes to origami folding and composting tutorials. To keep energy levels up, more than 20 food stalls featuring a variety of cuisines will be present throughout the day. Visitors can anticipate a day filled with family-friendly entertainment and activities. “We have made efforts to ensure accessibility, with mobility parking and audio-described guided tours available for visually impaired and low vision attendees and their families. “For those looking to minimise their carbon footprint, bike parking will be available, as street parking around Dove-Myer Robinson Park is limited. Check the Auckland Transport website for information on ways to get there on public transport,” says Sage. The anticipation about the festival is building up. Neena Sharma, a south Auckland resident, says, “I look forward to attending the festival. I expect it to be a day filled with roses, entertainment, education, and delicious food. “ What: Parnell Festival of Roses When: November 5, 2023 Timing: 11am–4pm Where: Parnell Rose Gardens, Dove- Myer Robinson Park, 85-87 Gladstone Road, Parnell 100% VEGAN & VEGETARIAN Craving mouthwatering burgers, fries, and sides that are not only delicious but also 100% pure vegetarian and plant-based? Look no further! FRANCHISES AVAILABLE ACROSS NZ! FOR BIGGER EVENTS CATERING SERVICES & FOOD TRUCKS AVAILABLE AWARD WINNING ETHICAL FOOD Visit Our Store or Order Online for Takeout and Delivery! www.lordofthefries.co.nz K Road (AKL) | Snickel Lane (Akl) | Botany (AKL) | Hamilton East | Cuba St (Wgtn) | Shand Lane (ChCh) | Queenstown
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The Indian Weekender, 27 October 2023

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