Experience the magic of Diwali, the cherished Festival of Lights, right here in Dunedin! Presented by the Dunedin Indian Association Inc. and The Rout Group, this vibrant community celebration is expected to draw over 3,000 attendees for an unforgettable afternoon and evening of culture, light, and joy. Mark your calendars for Sunday, 1 November 2026, from 3 PM to 8 PM at the Breeze Arena, Edgar Centre. Entry is completely FREE and family-friendly for all to enjoy.
Let’s light up Dunedin together! Join us in celebrating our vibrant community, culture, and rich diversity. See you there!
A free, family-friendly community event presented by the Dunedin Indian Association Inc., The Rout Group, and our valued festival partners.
Partner With Us
Dunedin Diwali 2026 is getting bigger and better! Following last year’s incredible success, preparations are underway for The Rout Group Dunedin Diwali Festival on Sunday, 1 November 2026 at the Breeze Arena, Edgar Centre.
We invite local businesses to join us as festival sponsors and connect with over 3,000 attendees across our updated Premium Sponsorship Tiers:
Platinum: Covers both Diwali 2026 & Holi 2027, big-screen video spots, billboards, speaking slots & VIP perks.
Gold: Pre-event vlog feature, prime-time stage recognition & VIP seating.
Silver : Physical stall space & on-site digital display branding.
Bronze : Dedicated social media promo, logo on print materials & official website.
Ready to Light Up Dunedin Together?
Fill out our quick Sponsorship Interest Form to lock in your package. You can also explore highlights from our Diwali 2025 Festival: https://indianzdunedin.org/events/diwali/2025/
Have questions or need a custom package?
Email contactus@indianzdunedin.org or call Rohit at 021 134 7338.
Email: contactus@indianzdunedin.org
Become A PartnerImmerse yourself in a captivating world of music, dance, and interactive movement! Experience electrifying stage performances featuring breathtaking classical Indian dance, high-energy Bollywood routines, and soulful live music. Plus, step onto the floor yourself with interactive dance and music workshops designed for all ages and skill levels!
Indulge your senses at our Diwali festival in Dunedin. Savour authentic Indian cuisine, explore traditional arts and crafts like henna and saree draping, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere as Dunedin comes alive with the spirit of Diwali. From cultural performances to delicious food stalls, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of Diwali right here in Dunedin!
Experience an unforgettable celebration of light, community, and culture featuring:
Live Music & Dance – Breathtaking traditional routines, high-energy Bollywood fusion, and live musical acts.
Authentic Delicacies – A delicious selection of mouthwatering sweet and savoury Indian street food.
Cultural Experiences – Beautiful Henna (Mehndi) tattoos, saree draping, and hands-on workshops.
Kids & Family Fun Zone – Bouncy castles, games, and engaging activities for all ages.
Organised with Pride
Presented by the Dunedin Indian Association Inc. in partnership with The Rout Group, with generous support from the Dunedin City Council Community Events Grant and the Ethnic Communities Development Fund (ECDF).
Free Entry | Family-Friendly | Smoke-Free | Alcohol-Free
Inspired by the ancient Indian festival of Diwali, or Deepavali, our Dunedin Diwali event celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and the renewal of life. This cherished tradition, known as the Festival of Lights, is celebrated throughout India and by Indian communities worldwide.
The Dunedin Diwali Festival is proudly organized by the Dunedin Indian Association Inc., dedicated to sharing Indian culture and building strong community connections across our region.
A celebration of this scale is a true community effort, made possible by:
🌟 Key Partner & Title Sponsor: The Rout Group, along with our generous Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze sponsors.
🏛️ Grant Partners: Essential funding provided by the Dunedin City Council (DCC), Ethnic Communities Development Fund (ECDF), and Otago Community Trust (OCT).
🍲 Stallholders & Food Vendors: Sharing rich flavors, sweet delicacies, and vibrant cultural displays.
🧡 Dedicated Volunteers: Giving their time and energy to create a safe, welcoming, and seamless event.
🤝 Dunedin & Otago Community: Whose warm support and enthusiasm make Diwali shine brighter every year.
We are deeply grateful for the generous support of our sponsors, whose contributions make the Dunedin Diwali Festival possible.
Title Sponsor – The Rout Group: A proud champion of our local community, The Rout Group partners with us to support high-impact regional events and foster inclusive cultural celebrations.
Platinum, Gold, Silver & Bronze Partners: Thank you to our valued tiered sponsors for investing in our local heritage and helping us deliver Dunedin’s premier Festival of Lights.
We are deeply grateful for the generous grants and support that have made this festival possible, and to our Gold Sponsors for their outstanding contribution.
Sincere thanks to our Silver Sponsors, whose contributions have played a significant role in ensuring the vibrancy and success of our event.
We also thank our Bronze Sponsors for their valued support of the Dunedin Diwali Festival.
Ready to share your talent on Dunedin's biggest cultural stage?
We are bringing together a dazzling showcase of live talent—from high-energy Bollywood, vibrant Gujarati Garba, and lively Punjabi Giddha & Bhangra, to graceful classical and semi-classical dance, live instrumentals, and vocal acts.
Whether you represent a renowned ensemble or an emerging local group, we invite you to take the stage and share your passion with thousands of festivalgoers!
We are thrilled to announce that this year’s Dunedin Diwali Festival is set to be bigger and better than ever! We are bringing the festival to life as a vibrant fair filled with live entertainment, interactive workshops, and exciting activities for the whole community.
We invite performance groups to showcase their talent on our main stage. (Please note: We are accepting group applications only—no solo performances).
Submission & Selection Process
📅 Expression of Interest (EOI) Deadline: 10 October 2026
🎭 Group Selection: We aim to showcase as many performers as possible! However, due to time limits, our Cultural Committee will carefully review all submissions and select a limited number of acts.
Please note: Submitting an Expression of Interest does not guarantee participation in the final lineup.
The Dunedin Indian Association invites couples and enthusiastic participants to take part in our special cultural showcase as part of this year’s Diwali celebrations. This highlight of the evening will celebrate the rich diversity of India through vibrant traditional attire, regional customs, and heritage.
We are looking for passionate participants (couples) to represent traditional regional wear from across India. This is your chance to walk the stage, celebrate your roots, and share our vibrant culture with the wider community! More details to come so stay tuned!
Be at the heart of Dunedin’s biggest celebration!
Join our dedicated team of volunteers and help bring the festival to life. Whether you are assisting food stallholders, running fun games and activities, or guiding attendees, your energy will make this Diwali an unforgettable success.
Gain great community experience, meet wonderful people, and celebrate with us behind the scenes!
The Dunedin Diwali Festival attracts thousands of visitors looking to taste, shop, and experience Indian culture. We are now accepting applications for vendor stalls across all categories:
🍲 Food & Drinks: Authentic sweet & savory regional Indian cuisine, street food, and beverages.
🛍️ Crafts & Retail: Cultural attire, jewelry, handicrafts, and festive decor.
ℹ️ Community Stalls: Local organizations and community information booths.
Secure your spot in our vibrant marketplace today!
Do you have a question about Dunedin's Diwali Festival?
