Whau Disha Diwali Mela2025 andUpdates

The festive spirit of Diwali lit up the New Lynn Community Centre on 4th October 2025, as DISHA New Zealand Charitable Trust, in collaboration with the Whau Ethnic Collective and the New Lynn Community Hub, and supported by The Trusts, hosted the vibrant Whau Disha Diwali Mela. The event was a colourful celebration of culture, community, and connection—bringing together seniors, families, children, and local residents for an unforgettable day of joy and togetherness.
The celebration was graced by distinguished guests, including Chief Guest Consul General Mr. M.M. Sethi and his wife Mrs. Swagatika Sethi, as well as Bank of Baroda Managing Director Mr. Sandeep Khaitan and Mrs. Kamini Khaitan. Their presence added warmth and significance to the occasion, highlighting the growing spirit of collaboration and harmony within the Whau community.
The event began with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony by Mr. and Mrs. Sethi, symbolising the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. The ceremony set a beautiful tone for the day, reminding everyone of Diwali’s timeless message of hope, renewal, and community spirit.
The hall buzzed with vibrant cultural performances showcasing South Asian traditions. From classical dance to Bollywood beats, each act showed the performers’ passion. The DISHA seniors’ dance stood out, full of energy and joy. Lively Dhol beats added a festive rhythm, getting everyone dancing and clapping in celebration.
Families and children enjoyed a variety of attractions, including face painting, henna art, fun games with prizes, and an exciting bubble show. The friendly bear mascots added extra delight, while the photo booth captured countless happy memories. The aroma of delicious food filled the air, offering guests traditional snacks, sweets, and savouries that added to the Diwali charm.
Adding even more colour and charm to the day was a lively market stall area, featuring vibrant clothing, jewellery, and handcrafted items. Visitors admired and purchased unique pieces while supporting local small businesses and artisans, making the event both festive and meaningful.
Volunteers worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure every visitor felt welcome — their warmth and dedication truly embodied the spirit of Seva (selfless service).
The event’s success reflected DISHA’s mission to promote positive ageing, cultural connection, and holistic wellbeing among seniors. Through its Positive Ageing Day Programs held across Balmoral, New Lynn, and North Shore, DISHA continues to nurture physical, mental, and social wellbeing while creating meaningful spaces for seniors to stay active, connected, and celebrated.
A heartfelt thanks goes out to all volunteers, performers, funders – The Trusts – and community partners whose support and enthusiasm made this celebration truly special. The Whau Disha Diwali Mela once again proved that when communities come together with shared joy and respect, the light of Diwali shines even brighter — spreading happiness, unity, and hope across generations.
For more information, visit www.dishanz.org or follow facebook.com/dishanzorg-TIN Bureau