Diwali

Diwali - also known as the 'Festival of Lights' - is Wellington's local Indian and South East Asian communities' most vibrant cultural celebration.

Diwali festival fireworks cancelled

The Diwali fireworks display has been cancelled for 2020. After strong winds postponed the finale event (and alternate weather day) during the official festival last month, the postponement dates (Friday 13 & Sunday 15 November) have also been cancelled due to weather concerns.

Events potentially impacted by COVID-19

Please note we are planning all events with alternative options depending on the impacts of COVID-19 and the Alert Level Ministry of Health guidelines. All details will be confirmed as soon as possible.

Three dancers on stage in traditional brightly-coloured dress.

The lighting of lamps at this ancient Hindu festival symbolises the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and the renewal of life.

Diwali festival Sunday 25 October 2020


Wellington Diwali festival will return to the TSB Arena and Shed 6 this October.

  • 3pm – 8.30pm
  • Gold coin entry

Highlights of the festival will include:

  • delicious Indian vegetarian food stalls
  • traditional and contemporary dance, music and fashion
  • arts, crafts, henna and information stalls.

The celebrations will close with the spectacular Kāpura Fireworks on the waterfront!

Programme

Time Event
3.00pm Opening acts
3.30pm Formal ceremony
4.10pm Traditional act
5.00pm Gen Z Bollywood
5.30pm Diwali's Got Talent
6.00pm Mix n match
6.50pm Fusion fun
7.25pm Explore the north
7.50pm Diwali's Got Talent
8.00pm Finale acts
8.20pm Stage programme ends
8.30pm Kāpura Fireworks

Wellington's Diwali celebrations are organised by our friends at the Communities Action Trust, and proudly supported by Radio Tarana, The Lion Foundation, and the Indian Weekender. 

This year’s fireworks are brought to you by Kāpura (Wellington Hospitality Group).

Sponsor logos Communities Action Trust (largest), The Lion Foundation, the Indian Weekender, Radio Tarana,

Kāpura logo