Celebrate Diwali at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki. The day will be hosted by artist Sarah Dutt from the Kshetra Collective, with Rangoli activities, free henna tattoos by Mendhi artists and live performances of beautiful classical dances by Anuradha’s School of Indian Dances, which will take place at 11am, 12pm and 1pm.
Please note, henna tattoos require about 15 minutes to dry, during which you will need to stay seated in the Mehndi area before moving to other areas in the Gallery.
What is Diwali?
Diwali is known as Deepavali after the clay lamps or diyas people lit to show Lord Rama the way to his homeland on the darkest night of the year. Like many Indian holidays, Diwali adheres to the lunar calendar, meaning the dates vary each year. It is celebrated by people of Indian heritage from many different religions, with each faith having its own historical legends and celebratory events. The holiday represents the symbolic victory of light over darkness and good over evil. For some, Diwali also coincides with harvest. It marks the start of New Year celebrations. The Goddess Lakshmi is also celebrated at this time.
Sarah Dutt is the founding member of the Kshetra Collective and has a master’s in fine arts from Elam School of Fine Arts. She has exhibited nationally and internationally.
Image credit: Lion Beats Studio
