The Tauranga Diwali Festival returns to The Historic Village on Saturday, 18 October 2025, bringing lively performances, delicious food, crafts and cultural celebrations to the Village Green.
The Tauranga Diwali Festival returns to The Historic Village on Saturday, 18 October 2025, bringing lively performances, delicious food, crafts and cultural celebrations to the Village Green.e Papa Ward Councillor Rod Taylor enthuses, “The Tauranga Diwali Festival is a wonderful community event and plays an important role in showcasing the vibrancy of our city and its diverse citizens. Plus, it’s always fantastic to see The Historic Village brought to life by so many different groups coming together to share in their traditions with so much joy.”
Tauranga City Council is a proud supporter of this event through the Tauranga Western Bay Community Event Fund, alongside Western Bay of Plenty District Council, TECT Community Trust, Acorn Foundation, and BayTrust. Providing funding to community-led events that are inclusive, accessible, and deliver positive social outcomes.
We spoke with Tauranga Diwali Festival event director, Bela Dasi, to find out more about this year’s festival:
What makes Diwali special for Tauranga?
“This will be our sixth Diwali Festival at The Historic Village, and we envision another extraordinary celebration. Diwali is also known as the Festival of Lights – it’s about the victory of light over darkness, but it’s also about bringing people together. For Tauranga, it’s a way to celebrate diversity, unity and community. The Historic Village is the perfect setting as it reflects the vibrancy we want the festival to bring.”
What can people expect at this year’s event?
“This year's festival is for lovers of big energy. It will be an incredible day of smiles, spectacular vibes, stomping tunes and colourful performances. "Devotion" is the keyword for this year's Diwali, and each year we redesign the festival to make it unique, and 2025 will be no exception.”
Any highlights to look out for?
“We’re excited to welcome international artist Malini Taneja, along with two accompanying performers sharing Kirtan music, folk dance, and the legendary Ramayan drama. We also have the Shivam Dance Academy from Wellington returning – they always bring stunning energy and dazzling costumes. And our local communities will be sharing their own Diwali messages and performances, which makes the festival so special.”
What else will be happening on the day?
“We’ll have Indian food stalls serving everything from chai and dosas to sweets and curries, artisan markets with jewellery, saris, incense and crafts, plus activities like henna, face painting, diya painting, and rangoli workshops for families and children.”
Is sustainability part of the event?
“Yes, we’re continuing our collaboration with Make Waste History, with reusable cups available for hot and cold drinks. Cups cost $3, with $2 refunded on return. It’s a small but important way to celebrate responsibly and reduce waste going to landfill”
How can people take part?
“Everyone is invited to come along to this free, inclusive event to experience the colours, tastes, and sounds that are an integral part of the festival.”
Event information
Tauranga Diwali Festival
The Historic Village, 17th Avenue West, Tauranga
Saturday, 18 October 2025, 2pm – 9pm
Free entry
Event link
Getting there:
Free parking is available on 17th Avenue around the surrounding streets, but it can fill up fast. We encourage visitors to consider alternative travel options. Why not walk, cycle via the Kōpūrererua Valley cycleway, or catch the bus? The #55 and #59 Baybus routes pass right by The Village. Visit Baybus for timetable information.