Laughter, cheers, whistles from a jubilant crowd, popular Indian music from local DJs and smells of summer grilling on the landscape surrounding the Mangere Centre Park Stadium were not the only things that attracted spectators to attend 2012 Annual NZ Sangam Carnival last fortnight.
The dedicated TIV NZ executives were enough to transform the stadium, car park and outer landscape area into a carnival-like playground for both children and adults. The TIV NZ board marked across the 2012 Sangam Carnival last month,
The response to the sangam event was positive.
Radio Tarana managing director Robert Khan inaugurated the ceremony with encouraging words. “Let us make the most of what the newly elected TIV NZ committee had put forward for their sangam community,” he said.
Event chairman Ashwin Choy said that with more branches and individuals participating, the Sangam event was a success.
Soccer, Netball, Volleyball took the weekend’s activities to another level of excitement, he said.
Outer on far landscape surrounding the Mangere Centre Park Stadium, adults participated in games such as Rugby Sevens, Tug of War and Sack Racing.
The entertainment performances by well-known Fiji Indian dancer Bijurya added colour and energy to the day.
“The event celebrated South Indian Culture, provided sporting and fun for the community and allowed interaction between the members of the New Zealand Sangam Community,” Mr Choy said.
Hamilton TIV Sangam and Wellington TIV Sangam displayed a true final competition in soccer, with the former claiming victory with 3-1 score.
TIV NZ President Prakash Mani said, “We saw smiles and heard numerous comments that people had a great time. We are happy that we were able to deliver a true sangam spirit to our community.”