A Year of Colour and Community
14 Sep 2026
The Dunedin Indian Association is dedicated to preserving and sharing the richness of Indian heritage with the wider Otago community. Throughout 2025–2026, the Association delivered a vibrant programme of cultural festivals and events that brought people together across the city.
The year's calendar includes beloved celebrations such as Diwali – the Festival of Lights, Holi – the Festival of Colours, and International Yoga Day. Alongside these, the Association runs workshops in folk dance, Henna, and cultural competitions – providing meaningful opportunities for both the Indian community and newcomers to connect and learn.
The Dunedin Diwali Festival proved a highlight, drawing huge crowds and delivering a spectacular showcase of light, colour, music, and Indian street food. Volunteers, food stalls, artisans, and community members came together to create what the Association described as Dunedin's largest and most successful Diwali event yet – a testament to the incredible effort of everyone involved.
The Holi Festival in March was equally joyful, bringing together families, friends, and people from all walks of life to celebrate the Festival of Colours. The vibrant energy and sheer delight on attendees' faces reflected just how meaningful these shared experiences are for the wider Dunedin community.