Auckland, Oct 16

A two-day Auckland Diwali festival at the Aotea Square and a part of Queen Street will be transformed into an Indian bazaar from Oct 19 to Oct 20 for a celebration of Indian music, dance, fashion and food.

The celebrations will be held from noon to 9 p.m. both days as part of the event organised by Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development (ATEED) in partnership with Asia New Zealand Foundation.

ATEED destination and marketing general manager Rachael Carroll says attendees will enjoy a mix of traditional and contemporary culture through festival favourites, including the Radio Tarana Bollywood Dance Competition.

"We also have the Trinetra Chhau Dance Centre travelling from east India to perform traditional dance that has been enjoyed by Indian royalty for centuries. Then in contrast, YouTube sensation 'Superwoman', aka Lilly Singh, is coming from Canada to share her comic growing pains of what it's like to be a young Indian woman in the 21st Century," Carroll said in a statement.

Other highlights of the fest include artist Hanif Kureshi who will create a live masterpiece of contemporary street art. The festivities will end with a spectacular fireworks display Sunday evening.

By:IANS