Thousands of people flocked to central Auckland today to celebrate the ancient Hindu festival of Diwali.
The epicentre of celebrations is Queen St's Aotea Square, which has become home to a host of rides, games, workshops, live dance, music, puppet and theatre performances.
![](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/CRFBXUM3E6MH2EMXQU46WPAM2M.jpg?auth=7288ec2ef5619b21d2b8268cc08eba30ccd8b4c29ed8f5ab16896acbeb1d2950&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
![Photos / Chris Loufte](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/OZKL2ZNQKD3PDPDHNU3TZ3TF4A.jpg?auth=af8ac59b50ee4cc4b2714a458adbff6225c704589b754f8c8f31bbcf34976282&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
The event, which is the largest vegetarian festival in the city, is free to attend and continues tomorrow.