Deepavali (Diwali) is a significant event for many Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains. Deepavali is associated with several legends. The north Indians exult upon Rama and Sita’s return to Ayodhya after defeating the Ravana! South Indians celebrate Lord Krishna’s victory over the evil King Narakasura. Whatever the cause, Deepavali is a festival of optimism, enthusiasm, and joy.
“After the long periods of lockdown, the celebration was welcomed by the Tamil Community in Taranaki” said Taranaki Tamil Association’s President, Barani Sampath at its Deepavali celebration that was held at the Merrilands School Hall. “There are only about 100 Tamils in Taranaki, and the event had a turn-up of about 80,” he said.
Children front the celebration.
The event started with a Karakia by Karthik Vishnu and his team followed by the Tamil Thai Vazhthu. The children’s participation was one of the event’s highlights. Taranaki Tamil Association offers Tamil classes to around 20 children. They channelled the energy and excitement of these youngsters and that of the children of the community into reciting the Athichudi and Thirukural and singing Subramania Bharathiyar’s songs.
Values imparted in the celebration
Athichudis are powerful and crisp lines that front the values of life. It is written by the female poet Avvaiyar. She was among the most well-known and influential female poets in Tamil literature.
The Thirukkural is a famous Tamil language literature on ethics and morality and has 1,330 seven-word couplets.
Bharathiyar was a Tamil writer, poet, journalist, activist, and social reformer. He is regarded as one of the finest Tamil literary geniuses of all time. His various works included impassioned songs instilling patriotism, freedom of women, objection to child marriage, opposition to the caste system, and support for modernising society and religion.
Indian martial arts showcased
The event also showcased children’s Silambam (Indian Martial Arts) skills. Silambam is a weapon-based martial art that incorporates the use of a bamboo staff for defence and assault. Silambam originated in Tamil Nadu and has been referenced in Tamil Sangam Literature.
Oratory Skills
The festival also tapped into the community’s oratory abilities with a Tamil speech competition. “Language is an important identity for Tamils, and we wanted to use this platform to showcase the richness of the language to the audiences and the younger generation,” said Sampath.
Celebrations
What is a celebration without dancing? Women and children performed traditional folk dances amongst other performances.
The association has been active even during the pandemic with its support services and outreach programs. This was the first time, since its inception that it was able to bring together, physically, more than three-quarters of the Tamil population and have more than half of them performing on stage.
The celebration concluded with a feast of ghee rice, paratha, chicken curry, vegetable curry, vegetable pakoda, and sweets (gulab jamun and laddu).
“The event was free of cost and made possible by the kind sponsorship of local entrepreneurs such as Jijo John of Ray white, Benoy from Tummymate, New Plymouth taxis, and Binoj from Galaxy Home Decors,” said Sampath.
About the Association
Taranaki Tamil Association was established four years ago and was incorporated in March 2022. A Tamil school committee, a women’s wing, a cultural wing, and a Tamil book club are sub-committees of the organisation.
The Book Club
One of the highlights of Taranaki Tamil Association is its book club. The association collaborates and borrows books from Aotearoa Tamil, then pools its members’ Tamil book collections and circulates them amongst the community. Taranaki Tamil Association’s book club meets once a month to discuss and review books.
Future Plans
Taranaki Tamil Association intends to provide Silambattam lessons, and dance classes, and organise sports activities for its members in the coming year.
Taranaki Tamil Association’s upcoming events include a Christmas gathering in December and Pongal Celebrations in January.
Those who wish to be a part of the Taranaki Tamil Association may email: taranakitamilassociation@gmail.com
Malini Yugendran is an Indian Newslink correspondent based in Auckland.
