The Hindu Heritage Centre in Rotorua came alive on Saturday, 25 October 2025, as families gathered to celebrate Children’s Deepawali — a festival of light, joy, and cultural pride. The event was a vibrant showcase of colour, music, and talent, highlighting the creativity and spirit of young members of the community.
This special post-Deepawali celebration was dedicated to young hearts and minds, offering an engaging, educational, and joyful way for children to experience the true spirit and meaning of Deepawali — the Festival of Lights. The event featured mehndi and rangoli design, storytelling, and a series of captivating cultural performances.
In recent years, many Deepawali events have become more commercial in nature, often losing touch with the deeper significance of the festival. The aim of the Children’s Deepawali celebration is to help young people — especially those born and raised in New Zealand — understand why Deepawali is celebrated. The focus is on education, participation, and family connection, and on the timeless values it represents: the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.
A major highlight of this year’s event was the mesmerising Bharatanatyam performance by the talented children of Padma’s School of Indian Classical Dance, Auckland. The trio — Abinaya Vijay Kumar, Abirami Manickam, and Mohitha Kosireddy — captivated the audience with their graceful movements and expressive storytelling, beautifully reflecting the depth and elegance of Bharat’s classical dance tradition.
“We participated in all Rotorua Deepawali Festivals between 2008 and 2012, when Dr Guna Magesan coordinated them on a large scale. When we heard that Rotorua’s Children’s Deepawali was being launched this year, we were eager to participate, support, and be part of this historic beginning. Our blessings are with the organisers,” said Padmalatha Dev, Guru of Pa
dma’s School of Indian Classical Dance.
Local children — especially those from Playtopia Educare Early Childcare Centre and various Rotorua primary schools — took centre stage in a touching Ram Darbar presentation, which received heartfelt appreciation for its devotion, sincerity, and charm. The programme also featured a vibrant mix of singing, Bhangra dancing, and cultural performances, each reflecting the energy, confidence, and creativity of Rotorua’s younger generation.Adding to the festive spirit, each participating family prepared a homemade sweet dish before the event, which children proudly shared with others during the celebration — symbolising the spirit of generosity, togetherness, and joy that Deepawali embodies.
“Deepawali is a time to celebrate light, unity, and hope. This year’s Children’s Deepawali was especially meaningful as it allowed our young people to connect with their heritage and share it proudly with the wider community,” said Radhika Chhibber and Jyoti Kumar, Coordinators of Children’s Deepawali 2025.
The celebration reflects the Hindu Heritage Centre’s ongoing commitment to fostering cultural understanding, intergenerational connection, and community wellbeing in Rotorua. It also forms part of the Centre’s broader initiative to promote cultural awareness and inclusivity among young people and families from all backgrounds.
“Through events like this, we hope to nurture a deeper appreciation of culture and values among children while strengthening the bonds that unite our diverse community,” said Dr Guna Magesan, President of the Hindu Council of New Zealand.
For media enquiries:
Dr Guna Magesan
President, Hindu Council of New Zealand