Supplied Content
A large number of Senior citizens and residents in the Auckland region were joined by youngsters, volunteers and other social service people in marking Diwali last fortnight.
Organised by the South East Auckland Senior Citizens Association Inc, the event was held at the Vedic Centre Hall in Manukau on Saturday, October 13, 2018.
Association President Jitendra Prasad said that the event began with the beating of the ‘Hudda and Tasha,’ a Fijian style set of drums and the procession carrying the Deity of Lakshmi, considered ‘Goddess of Wealth.’
Among the Guests of Honour at the celebrations were Ethnic Communities Minister Jenny Salesa, Manurewa and Otara Local Boards Chairpersons respectively Angela Dalton and Lotu Fuli, Otara-Papatoetoe Local Board Member Dr Ashraf Choudhary and Auckland District Court Judge Dr Ajit Swaran Singh.
Manurewa Kaumatua Simon Pikimaui blessed the ceremony, which was followed by songs and dances by a local Iwi Group. Traditional Indian dances were performed by Anjani White and Meghna who had come from California, United States to perform at the function.
Excerpts from the Epic ‘Ramayana’ and Dandiya dances were presented by the Members of the Association.
