DISHA NZ and New Lynn Community Centre jointly hosted the first ever Diwali Mela on Saturday 7 October at the New Lynn Community Centre that turned out to be a massive hit among the locals. What a fantastic event it was, full of excitement, exuberance, and lots of fun for all for over 5 hours. The event was very well attended (despite some ominous weather warnings) with over 1000 visitors from all around Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland. A large number of community leaders attended the event showing their solidarity and support to the efforts of the youngest community organisation in New Zealand. The prominent among the attendees were Bhav Dhillon, Honorary Consul of India, and Mr Roshan Nauhria, Patron of Disha NZ and many other leaders of different community organisation.

The main hall of the New Lynn Community Centre had a packed schedule of cultural performances to entertain the attendees, celebrating not only Indian culture but also sharing the celebration with other cultural groups that use regularly use the centre, such as the beautiful Colourful Arts Chinese Dance troupe. There was an explosion of colour everywhere you looked, from the Diwali decorations adorning the rooms to the beautiful saris worn by all. Earlier the program started with the traditional lighting of the lamp by Bhav Dhillon, Roshan Nauhria and Jessica Phuang.
The market, dining space and children’s corner filled out Recreation Hall. The room was buzzing with activity as vendors traded exquisite jewellery, traditional Indian clothing, and other wares. Children painted diyas in the activity corner while henna artists gave out free henna. Outside were the food stalls, representing cuisines from all corners of India – what a treat it was to have such a variety of authentic Indian street-foods for all to enjoy!
It was truly heartwarming to see such a vibrant community come together for this Diwali celebration with all the fantastic colours, sounds and aromas of India. The DISHA NZ and WHAU Board thanked to all stallholders, volunteers, attendees, and everyone else who made this event possible, and said we look forward to celebrating Diwali again next year!
The Disha Senior’s Friendship group meets fortnightly on Mondays at the New Lynn Community Centre.
For more information on this and other programmes at the

centre, follow the social media pages – New Lynn Community Centre on Facebook and Instagram or Anju at DISHA NZ
@021 02411779.-TIN Bureau