PAK’nSAVE Mount Albert celebrates culture, colour and diversity during Diwali

For PAK’nSAVE Mount Albert owner operator Harry Chawla, Diwali is about much more than lights, decorations and delicious food. It’s about family, connection and bringing people together.

From colourful celebrations, to offering a growing range of Indian groceries, PAK’nSAVE Mount Albert is embracing the diversity of its community this Diwali.

Having moved to New Zealand from India in 2000, Harry has proudly maintained his cultural traditions while building a life in Aotearoa. Since taking the reins of PAK’nSAVE Mount Albert in June 2017, he has also made celebrating Diwali with his team and customers an important part of store life.

PAK’nSAVE Mt Albert owner Harry Chawla and Sheetol Chawla celebrate Diwali instore with their team and customers

Every year, team members dress in traditional clothing, share food, enjoy music and dancing, and decorate the store and staffroom. Customers can also enjoy Diwali specials and a wide range of traditional Indian products.

Diya (lamp) lighting during Diwali, the Festival of Lights, represents the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.

“For me, Diwali is about togetherness, happiness and new beginnings,” Harry says.

“When I see our team dressed in traditional clothing, sharing food, dancing and celebrating together, it genuinely feels like I have another family here. What makes it even more special is seeing people from different cultures and backgrounds joining in.

“That’s the beauty of Mount Albert. We don’t just live alongside different cultures; we embrace them, learn from them and celebrate them together.”

PAK'nSAVE Mt Albert team celebrate Diwali

That commitment to celebrating diversity extends to the supermarket’s shelves, with PAK’nSAVE Mount Albert stocking around 200 specialty Indian products to meet the needs of its large and growing Indian and South Asian customer base, as well as Kiwis exploring new flavours and cuisines. 

In the last year, the store’s international food sales have grown by around 21%, with Indian grocery sales up about 26%, reflecting increasing demand for products that bring authentic flavours and familiar ingredients into customers’ kitchens. 

The range includes everyday staples such as atta (flour), ghee, rice, lentils and spices, alongside popular snacks including Kurkure and Little Hearts, sweets and specialty ingredients for festive occasions. 

“Food is such an important connection to culture, family and traditions,” Harry says. 

“We want customers to find the products they grew up with and the ingredients they need for everyday meals, as well as the special foods they love to share during celebrations like Diwali. 

“But it’s not just about serving our Indian customers. We’re seeing more Kiwi shoppers embrace different cuisines and flavours, so we’re continuing to grow our range and make these products accessible and affordable for everyone.” 

One of Harry’s favourite Diwali treats is kaju katli, a traditional cashew sweet that holds special childhood memories. 

“Growing up, it was a real treat and something we couldn’t always afford. Now, I love sharing it with my own children. It’s a reminder of how food connects generations.” 

As Mount Albert’s diverse community continues to grow and evolve, Harry says he’s proud that his supermarket can help customers celebrate their traditions while creating a welcoming place where everyone belongs.