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Diwali Festival of Lights

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

Children dancing on stage at a Diwali concert.

Diwali Festival of Lights

Āhea | When 2pm–8.30pm, Sunday 12 October 2025
Ki hea | Where TSB Arena and Shed 6 | View on Google Maps

Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, celebrating Lord Rama's return from exile, is Wellington’s biggest celebration from sub-continental South Asia, with performances, food, and markets, bringing together communities from all over for one vibrant evening on the waterfront.

The night will end with a short fireworks display at approximately 8.50pm. For more information and weather updates, check the official Facebook event page 

Please be aware that there may be wait times to enter the venue due to the event's popularity.

Diwali event participation applications were open from 31 August–24 September 2025 and have now closed.

Recipes

Create the taste of Diwali at home with these delicious recipes for mysore pak, chole masala and gajar Ka halwa (carrot halwa).

Download the Diwali recipes (4.22MB PDF)

Past events

Enjoy some images of the 2023 Diwali Festival of Lights below.