From traditional food and local shopping to colourful cultural performances, the Whau DISHA Diwali Mela brought people of different generations and backgrounds together for a...
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From traditional food and local shopping to colourful cultural performances, the Whau DISHA Diwali Mela brought people of different generations and backgrounds together for a lively celebration in West Auckland.
By Webfit News | Auckland | 24 October 2026
The New Lynn Community Centre was buzzing with music, laughter and conversation on Saturday as families, community leaders and visitors gathered for the Whau DISHA Diwali Mela 2026, a celebration that brought the spirit of Diwali to the heart of West Auckland.
The free community event, organised by DISHA New Zealand in collaboration with the New Lynn Hub team, attracted an enthusiastic crowd, with the main hall filled with people enjoying cultural performances while others explored food and market stalls.
From children dressed in traditional outfits to senior citizens watching the performances, the gathering reflected the diversity of Auckland’s communities.
A Packed Hall and a Lively Cultural Programme
Inside the community centre, rows of seats were filled as visitors watched a programme of traditional and contemporary cultural performances.
Colourful costumes, energetic dancing and familiar music kept the audience engaged, with many recording performances on their phones.
The stage was decorated in festive Diwali colours, creating a welcoming setting for performers and spectators.
Adding to the atmosphere were HUMM FM presenters Ruzbeh Palsetia and Sandy Sekhon, whose lively hosting helped keep the programme moving and the audience connected.
The popular radio duo, known for their HUMM Drive show, brought their familiar warmth and humour to the community celebration.
Food, Shopping and a Taste of Home
Beyond the stage, the festival offered plenty for visitors to explore.
Food stalls served Indian snacks and traditional favourites, with families gathering around the vendors to enjoy freshly prepared dishes.
The market area also gave local traders and small businesses an opportunity to connect directly with customers during the festive season.
For many visitors, the experience was about more than shopping or entertainment. It was an opportunity to enjoy familiar flavours, meet friends and spend time with the wider community.
The event also featured family-friendly activities, with free henna, children’s entertainment and giveaways included in the programme.
MPs and Community Leaders Join the Celebration
The gathering was attended by Dr Parmjeet Parmar MP, alongside other community representatives and local leaders who joined families in celebrating the occasion.
Their presence reflected the growing importance of Diwali as a shared cultural celebration across Auckland.
The event also provided an opportunity for people from different backgrounds to meet, exchange greetings and enjoy the traditions associated with the Festival of Lights.
Community Effort Behind the Celebrations
The celebration reflected the work of DISHA New Zealand’s volunteers and community organisers, including Jyoti Parashar and Yogi Prasad, whose leadership and involvement helped bring people together.
DISHA NZ has developed a strong community presence through initiatives supporting social connection, cultural inclusion and wellbeing, particularly among seniors and diverse communities.
Working alongside the New Lynn Hub team, the organisation has helped establish the Whau DISHA Diwali Mela as a recurring community occasion.
Now in its fourth year, the festival continues to provide a welcoming space for people to celebrate their heritage while sharing it with the wider New Zealand community.
More Than a Diwali Celebration
One of the most noticeable aspects of Saturday’s event was the mix of generations.
Older residents sat alongside young families, children watched dancers perform, and visitors moved between the packed hall and the busy food stalls.
It was a reminder that community celebrations are not simply about putting on a programme. They create opportunities for people to connect, support local businesses and experience cultures beyond their own.
For those who grew up celebrating Diwali in India, the familiar music, food and festive atmosphere offered a sense of home.
For others, it was an opportunity to experience those traditions in their own neighbourhood.
By bringing together cultural performances, local enterprise, community leadership and family activities, the Whau DISHA Diwali Mela delivered a memorable afternoon in New Lynn.
The strongest impression was not just the colour and energy of the event, but the sense of community that filled the venue.
Photographs: Webfit News | Whau DISHA Diwali Mela 2026, New Lynn Community Centre, Auckland.
Event information: DISHA New Zealand, New Lynn Hub team and Auckland Council.
