Auckland, 1 September 2025 – The much-loved BNZ Auckland Diwali Festival is back, bringing a dazzling celebration of light, colour and culture to the heart of Tāmaki Makaurau.

This year’s festival will take place across Aotea Square, Queen Street and Rutland Street on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 October, from midday to 9pm each day. Inspired by the spirit of Diwali – the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance – the two-day event promises a rich mix of traditional and contemporary experiences.

A Festival Full of Highlights

Festival-goers can look forward to:

  • Three performance stages featuring theatre, dance, live music, yoga sessions and Bollywood movies.
  • Returning favourites such as mouth-watering vegetarian food stalls, sweets, arts and crafts, family workshops, and a grand fireworks display on Sunday night.
  • Ticketed headline events from 7 October at iconic venues including the Auckland Town Hall, Aotea Centre and Q Theatre. These include:
    • Bollywood Meets Jazz – a unique fusion performance
    • Lucky Ali – the legendary Indian singer live in concert
    • Miss IndiaNZ – a celebration of talent and culture
    • Ram Leela: A Timeless Tale of Valour and Devotion of Lord Rama
    • Kundalini: The Awakening – a powerful dance production

Light projections, illuminated art installations at Freyberg Place and Khartoum Place, and community performances such as the Tamil New Zealand School of Dance and the Basant Madhur Ensemble will add even more colour to the city centre.

A Celebration for All

Tātaki Auckland Unlimited Chief Executive Nick Hill said the Diwali Festival remains one of Auckland’s most treasured cultural events:

“With tens of thousands of Aucklanders attending every year, everyone – whether from the Indian diaspora or other communities – can experience this joyful cultural tradition. Events like this strengthen our connections, support local businesses, and add vibrancy to our city centre.”

BNZ Chief Executive Dan Huggins added:

“We’re delighted to support the BNZ Auckland Diwali Festival again this year. It’s a wonderful way to bring people together to enjoy incredible music, dance, food and culture. We’re excited for Aucklanders to experience the 2025 edition.”

Festival Details

  • When: Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 October 2025, 12pm–9pm daily
  • Where: Aotea Square, Queen Street and Rutland Street
  • Cost: Free entry, with additional ticketed events from 7 October
  • Family friendly: Smoke-free, alcohol-free and vegetarian festival

More Information

For full programme details, visit the official festival page: www.aucklandnz.com/diwali

The BNZ Auckland Diwali Festival is an Auckland Council event, delivered by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited.