Photo: RNZ / Yiting Lin
A debate over the inclusion of non-vegetarian food at cultural celebrations in recent years has raised some curly questions within the Indian community.
The discourse reflects a deeper tension over how Indian cultural practices are defined in New Zealand.
Some groups, including the Hindu Council of New Zealand and the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin, have criticised the inclusion of meat in some dishes at cultural festivals nationwide.
Other groups, including Wellington Mutamizh Sangam, have supported it.
The polarised positions highlight the way India's diverse culinary practices have been interpreted and adapted in New Zealand.
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is now widely recognised as one of the largest annual celebrations in New Zealand's multicultural calendar.
A prominent Hindu festival celebrating the return of Ram and Sita to the kingdom of Ayodhya, Diwali is traditionally celebrated with vibrant lights, fireworks and community fairs that include music, dance and delectable Indian cuisine.
The festival is also celebrated by Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists as well, although for different reasons.
In October, the Hindu Organisations, Temples and Associations (HOTA) Forum NZ published a statement that urged people to celebrate Diwali with "purity and dignity", calling for festive gatherings to exclude meat.
HOTA Forum
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