The Hindu Heritage Centre, a division of the Hindu Council of New Zealand, will come alive with colour, laughter, and learning as children and families gather to celebrate Children’s Deepawali on Saturday, 25 October 2025, from 3.00 to 6.00 pm.

This special post-Deepawali celebration is dedicated to young minds and hearts — offering an engaging, educational, and joyful way for children to experience the true spirit and meaning of Deepawali, the Festival of Lights.

While many children born and raised in New Zealand have seen or participated in various Deepawali events, these are often festive or commercial in nature. The Children’s Deepawali celebration takes a different approach — focusing on education, participation, and family connection. The event aims to help children understand why Deepawali is celebrated and the timeless values it represents — the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.

“The event will feature diya (lamp) painting, mehndi and rangoli design, storytelling, cultural performances, and a fun-filled quiz competition on the Ramayana and Deepawali,” said Radhika Chhibber, Coordinator of Children’s Deepawali 2025. “We want to make learning about our traditions interactive and memorable, while nurturing a sense of pride and belonging among our children,” added Jyoti Kumar, Co-Coordinator of the programme.

The quiz competition will include two age groups — 5–10 years and 11–15 years — encouraging teamwork, curiosity, and friendly participation.

Parents and teachers will also play an active role, guiding and supporting children as they express their creativity and embrace the values of unity, gratitude, and joy.

Adding a unique and heartwarming element, each participating family will prepare a homemade sweet dish together before the event. During the celebration, children will share their dish with others and briefly speak on stage about why they chose that sweet and how they helped prepare it.

“This simple activity connects families through food, storytelling, and shared cultural expression,” said Chhibber. “It helps children feel involved and take pride in celebrating Deepawali with understanding and love.”

Dr Guna Magesan, President of the Hindu Council of New Zealand, emphasised the deeper purpose behind the event: “Children are the light of our community. Through events like Children’s Deepawali, we nurture their understanding of our heritage and values, while celebrating together as one whānau — one family.”

“As the Hindu Women Forum and Hindu Youth New Zealand continue to take a proactive role in organising meaningful community programmes that focus on the wellbeing and empowerment of youth, women, and children, we can be confident that the future of our community is in capable and compassionate hands,” he added.

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.

Families are warmly invited to join the Children’s Deepawali 2025 celebration — an evening of light, learning, laughter, and love.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, 25 October 2025
• Time: 3.00 pm – 6.00 pm
• Venue: Hindu Heritage Centre, 225 Malfroy Road, Rotorua
• Activities: Diya painting, rangoli design, mehndi, quiz, storytelling, performances, and family sweet-sharing