What's On: Diwali celebration to light up Forum North

Indian women rehearse Gidha, a traditional Indian folk dance, to be performed during Diwali celebration at Forum North. Photo / Imran Ali

Whangārei's Forum North will be lit up with Diwali, the Indian festival of lights, and everyone is invited to join the fun.

The popular Indian festival is again being organised by the Northland Indian Association, with food and entertainment aplenty for people of all ages and ethnic backgrounds.

The event will take place from 11.30am to 4pm tomorrow and people are being urged to get in early as most of the 500 tickets have been sold.

Diwali, otherwise known as Deepavali or the Festival of Lights, is one of the most important events in the Indian community calendar and is an ancient festival celebrated in
autumn in the Northern Hemisphere or spring in the Southern Hemisphere.

The festival spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness or good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair.

Celebrations includes millions of lights shining around temples and other buildings in the communities and countries where it is observed.

Tickets for the event at Forum North are $12, with under-5s admitted free. The entry price includes an Indian meal.

Association board member Jas Singh said guests would enjoy buffet Indian vegetarian dishes prepared by volunteers from the Whangārei Sikh Society before entertainment started from 1pm.

Food will consist of chapati, rice, lentils, mattar paneer, lentils, halva - which is a sweet confection made from semolina, mix vegetable, and raita.

The popular 50/50 dance crew from Auckland will headline the entertainment with local dance groups, including an item from students of Maunu Primary School and bhangra, also in the mix.

There will be raffles and spot prizes up for grabs.

"I'd urge everyone to come and celebrate with us. The public have been supporting us during Diwali celebration over the years and we expect similar support this year. It's going
to be a fun-filled afternoon."

Tickets can be purchased from Shiraz Indian restaurant, in Walton St, and on Kamo Rd.