It is one of Queenstown’s biggest festivals and certainly its most multicultural.
In what’s become a huge event for the resort’s many migrant groups, Queenstown Events Centre’s again hosting the annual Indian ‘festival of lights’, Diwali, this Saturday night.
More than 2500 people, many from around Otago and Southland, are expected at the free event that’ll feature a diverse range of cultural performances including salsa and the Māori haka.
It’s again being organised by the Bhartiya Samaj Queenstown Charitable Trust with support from event contractor Team Parakeets and Queenstown’s council along with other community organisations and businesses.
This year the trust’s aiming for the event to become New Zealand’s first environmentally-sustainable Diwali celebration.
President Mangal Behal says they’re wanting to spread awareness about environmental protection and responsible tourism.
‘‘Being a resident of one of the world’s most beautiful tourist towns, we believe it is our responsibility to give back to nature.
‘‘There can’t be a better opportunity to do this than Diwali celebrations attended by thousands of people every year.’’
Vice-president Poonam Sethi says they’re taking small steps to becoming a no-waste, zero-plastic event.
They’re asking attendees to bring water bottles and doggie bags, and encouraging performers coming from Christchurch to use electric cars or car-pool ‘‘instead of all coming in different cars’’.
Locals could also take a bus to (near) the venue rather drive, Sethi suggests.
Tomorrow’s Diwali kicks off 6pm.
