Diwali lights up Franklin

Franklin’s Diwali celebrations have begun, with Pōkeno already enjoying a record turnout.

Festival organiser Prince Kalra said Diwali is all about celebrating hope, goodness and new beginnings.

He said Diwali is India’s biggest festival, where people decorate their houses with lights, which are symbolic of good overcoming evil.

Kalra says this year’s event was “fully packed” with over 650 people in attendance at Pōkeno Hall.

The event featured over 10 clothing and jewellery stalls, along with six food stalls and trucks.

“As in previous years, [Waikato] Mayor Jacqui Church joined us, along with Takanini MP Rima Nakhle and other distinguished guests, all of whom thoroughly enjoyed the celebrations.

“This was our third Pōkeno Diwali since I first initiated the event three years ago. Each year, it has grown bigger and brighter, thanks to the incredible support from our local businesses and community.”

Pukekohe and Waiuku organisers are combining this year to hold Diwali celebrations on October 18 at the PIA Event Centre.

Secretary of the Pukekohe Indian Association Arshdeep Kaur said she was expecting up to 4000 people at the event, which runs from 4pm to 9pm.

The event is open to the entire Franklin community, as they want everyone to see what Diwali is.

“There is a lot of excitement about it, it’s a colourful time of the year and open to everyone.”

Kaur said India is very diverse, “so it’s kind of like a Christmas for us, it’s about family and connection.”

Representatives from Auckland Council, Franklin Local Board, the Indian Consulate and local MPs will also be attending.

Takanini will be celebrating Diwali on October 21 from 5pm to 11pm at the Gurdwara Sri Kalgidhar Sahib.

President of New Zealand Central Sikh Association, and organiser of the event, Daljit Singh, said 500 volunteers are expecting up to 30,000 people to attend.

He said 25,000 people came last year.

“Here in Takanini, we are doing a religious event where we will celebrate Diwali in the Sikh way. It will be a huge Diwali – the biggest we have ever had.”

Singh said the venue is set on 11 acres of land and the building itself accommodates about 1000 people, “who will go inside throughout the night to pray.”

“Everyone is welcome. You will see a lot of Kiwis and people from other ethnicities – all are invited. It is the biggest event of the year, and we are excited to celebrate again.”