Diwali - Festival of lights 2006
In 2006 Resene has become part of the Diwali Celebrations in New Zealand.
Diwali, The Indian Festival of Lights, is perhaps the most important
and ancient of India's festivals, signifying the triumph of light over
darkness, good over evil, and renewal of life.
Also known as Deepavali, Diwali is the time when families light small oil lamps and candles around the home and set off noisy firecrackers and fireworks. During this time, Lakshmi - the goddess of wealth, goes around inspecting the homes of her devotees, staying on in the home that is best spruced for her arrival. In most Hindu homes, the weeks before Diwali are spent springcleaning the house and giving the walls a fresh coat of paint.
Come and see us at the Resene 'Colours of Diwali' Marquee at the Diwali Festival in Auckland on Saturday and Sunday the 14th and 15th of October from 11am - 10pm or in Wellington on Sunday 22nd October 3pm - 10.30pm. Come down and help us recreate a traditional Madhubhani style mural painting by Shanti Devi, vote for your favourite Childrens Colouring Competition entry, and join in the festivities.
Shanti Devi working on the original painting
For more info on the Diwali Festival and locations visit www.asianz.org.nz/diwali.
Children's colouring competition
One of the highlights at this year's festival is the participation of
Monimala Chitraker, a talented practitioner of an art form that is teetering
on the brink of extinction. The folk-art Indian Craft of scroll painting
is more than a colourful feast for the eye - it is also an ancient form
of storytelling that dates back for centuries. But in recent years the
advent of cinema, radio and television has meant that such a laborious
storytelling art has fallen into a steep decline. While the Indian government
tries to keep the art alive, Ms Chitraker is one of a handful of remaining
scroll artists. This is an opportunity for New Zealanders to enjoy a
colourful and ancient art form.
To see some images of traditional scroll paintings and for some inspiration please click on the image below.
To help support and promote this ancient art form, Resene has worked with Monimala Chitrakar to make an outline sketch of a scroll painting scene to be used for this colouring in competition. This chosen image shows the central trio of Ramayan-Lord Rama, his brother Laxman and wife Sita returning to Ayodhya, the capital of Rama's kingdom after a 14 year exile. Diwali is the commemoration of the festivities to celebrate their return.
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How to enter Simply download the entry form (you will need Acrobat Reader) or get a copy from your local Resene ColorShop, design your own border and colour it in. You can get inspiration from the scroll paintings and Diwali colour range below. Competition open to 5 -12 year olds. This competition is now closed. View the winners and a gallery of selected entries from Diwali 2006. |
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| Decorate with the Resene Colours of
Diwali With the assistance of the Asia New Zealand Foundation, Resene has designed a Diwali colour palette to help you bring the colours of Diwali into your home and paintings. |
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