On behalf of all of us at the Manukau Sanatan, I extend our best wishes to you and your family on the occasion of Diwali.
As done in the past four years, Manukau Sanatan and Apna 990 will be celebrating Diwali this year.
The Festival, being held on November 4, 2012, will be bigger and better with the Sanatan IDC Soccer Cup Tournament held at the same time at Centre Park Stadium (Robertson Road) in the South Auckland suburb of Mangere.
The Tournament would be held over four days, starting on November 1 and concluding on November 4 with grand Diwali celebrations.
The Tournament would witness the participation of 16 teams the Premier Division and eight teams in Veterans Division.
The participating teams are in high spirits, with Diwali festivities coinciding with the Tournament.
IDC Organising Committee Chairman Bobby Rakesh will shortly announce the names of participating teams and the fixtures on Apna 990.
Teams interested in participating in the matches should call him on (09) 2151818.
Food and fun
Diwali celebrations will begin at 11 am on November 4, with stall selling food items, sweets and clothing from 1 pm to 9 pm.
Leader of the Opposition David Shearer would be the Chief Guest, along with a number of invited guests.
The programme would comprise Kirtans, Diwali songs, film music and dances featuring Punjabi, Cook Islands and Nagada. As well as Shenai and other instruments played, Jagdish Punja will entertain people with his songs.
There would be special attractions such as jumping castle, ferries wheel, pony rides and animal zoo with more than 400 pets for children.
The Diwali Night would end with a huge fireworks display by Boom Boom Fireworks Company at about 9 pm.
Officials and programme presenters of Apna 990 will be at the festival, running a number of competitions on ‘bun eating,’ ‘coconut water drinking, and ‘arm wrestling,’ with winners in each of these qualifying for prizes.
On behalf of the Sanatan, I thank all NZAFC members, Noel Robison and Lucky of Auckland Council for their help and support in organizing this event.
I would also like to invite Indian Newslink readers to the Tournament and Diwali festival.
Those interested in hiring stalls (at $150 inclusive of electricity) and stage items may contact us.
Richard Kumar is the Organising Chairman of the Sanatan Diwali Festival. He can be contacted on (09) 8281330 or 0212676206
