Here at the Golden Centre, it is a pleasure to work with the Dunedin Indian Association by displaying a stunning range of items that illustrate an amazing rich heritage and culture, just as Diwali is being celebrated.

Diwali is a five-day festival known as the ‘Festival of Lights’. It is celebrated during October or November and is one of the most popular festivals in India. The exact date of Diwali varies depending on the lunar calendar.

Diwali gets its name from clay lamps (deep) placed in rows (avali). On Diwali, Indians decorate homes with rows of lamps to celebrate the victory of good over evil.

During this festival, Hindu’s worship Ganesha, the elephant-headed God, and Lakshmi, the goddess of light wisdom and fortune.

Diwali is celebrated by Sikh’s as the Bandi Chhor Divas, which translate to ‘‘Day of Liberation” to mark the release of Guru Hargobindji from imprisonment.

Jain’s celebrate Diwali to remember the spiritual enlightenment of Lord Mahavira and is the time for reflection, renewal and spiritual growth.

Between now and 3 November, why not take a look at the special exhibit in Centre Court near Boost Juice. This comprises puja (prayer) items such as clay lamps, a Lord Ram idol relevant to the Diwali Festival, puppets from Rajasthan, and dancing dolls from South India. In addition, there is a beautiful range of ethnic jewellery, sarees from South India and Lehengas from Gujarat, kindly supplied by LS Jewels and Outfits, Dunedin.

From 3pm-8pm on the 9 November, More FM Arena, Edgar Centre will also come alive when the Dunedin Indian Association presents Diwali. During this wonderful FREE TO ENTER EVENT, visitors can enjoy music and dancing, take part in games and win prizes, treat themselves to an array of street foods and even seeing beautiful henna tattoos being created. For more information about this event, please visit www.indianzdunedin.org or email contactus@indianzdunedin.org.