A true cross-section of cultures continues to make Wanganui's annual Diwali celebration very special and in the city's War Memorial Centre on Saturday night, spectators got to see why.
The ancient Hindu festival of lights has been recognised for the last 18 years in Wanganui, and organiser Vijeshwar Prasad said our festival stood apart from the rest.
Mr Prasad, president of the Multicultural Council of Rangitikei-Wanganui, said this year's event was a "dream come true".
"It represented exactly what we've been trying to achieve and that's to get as many ethnic communities together to celebrate Diwali," he said.
About 400 people turned up to enjoy cultural performances and food. It was the 18th year Diwali has been held in Wanganui and Mr Prasad said this one attracted a good number of out-of-towners with visitors from New Plymouth and Palmerston North.