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Tens of thousands expected at Auckland Diwali festival this weekend

October 16, 2018
Traditionally made colorful lanterns are are common feature at Diwali festivals around the world. [File Picture]

Traditionally made colorful lanterns are are common feature at Diwali festivals around the world. [File Picture] (Source: istock.com)

Huge crowds are expected at this weekend's Diwali festival in Auckland, with the grand finale to include a fireworks display.

The festival runs from midday on Saturday and Sunday until 9pm, and about 55,000 people attended in 2017.

Hundreds of performances are scheduled in Aotea Square and Queen Street, and there will be plenty of food and activities.

A total of 70 street stalls will be set up and the organisers say more than 45 hours of live entertainment is scheduled.

The Auckland Harbour Bridge will be lit up with traditional Rangoli patterns starting from Thursday from 7pm each night.

The festival is smoke and alcohol free and motorists are warned that significant disruption to traffic in the CBD is expected.

New ZealandArts and CultureAuckland

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