This story was updated at 1.15 am on February 28, 2025
Prasanth Pavithran
Auckland, February 23, 2025
Mark your engagement on 15 March 2025, at the Swami Narayan Temple Complex in Papatoetoe, Auckland, which will transform into a vibrant palimpsest of colours, sounds, and flavours.
Hosted by the Organisation of Hindu Malayalees New Zealand (OHM NZ), Bharatheeyam is a magnificent celebration extraordinaire, bringing together communities and cultures in a grand showcase of heritage, art, and unity.
OHM NZ’s Lokāḥ Samastāḥ Sukhino Bhavantu, meaning May all beings everywhere be happy and free, perfectly embodies the ethos of Bharatheeyam. This timeless blessing reflects the festival’s core message of fostering universal harmony and celebrating the interconnectedness of cultures.
The event provides a comprehensive cultural experience, crafted to deepen intercultural understanding and strengthen community bonds. Here’s what attendees can look forward to:
Diverse Artistic Expressions: Bharatheeyam celebrates Bharat’s cultural diversity with classical and folk dance, and soulful music, offering a vivid display of art and tradition.
Universal Values: Bharatheeyam highlights themes of empathy, harmony, and respect, aligning its narrative with the principles of inclusivity and unity.
A Cultural Journey
Bharatheeyam is more than just a festival; it is an immersive journey through Bharat’s cultural landscapes. From the intricate movements of classical dances such as Odissi and Kathak to the dynamic rhythms of folk traditions like Bhangra and Garba, attendees will witness the grandeur and diversity of Bharat’s artistic heritage. Theatrical narratives and soul-stirring melodies complement these performances, showcasing Bharat’s rich cultural identity.
At its core, Bharatheeyam seeks to advance intercultural harmony. It offers a platform for meaningful dialogues on shared values like empathy, respect, and community. Discussions on migrant integration and cultural preservation will spotlight personal narratives, illustrating the convergence of Bharat and New Zealand’s philosophies of hospitality and communal solidarity.
For younger attendees, the event provides unique opportunities to explore and connect with diverse cultures, fostering creativity, curiosity, and a deeper understanding of intercultural values.
A Celebration of Identities
Bharatheeyam, organised by OHM NZ, is a collaborative effort uniting cultural groups from across India in a shared vision of unity through cultural celebration.
To foster inclusivity, OHM NZ convened a community leaders’ meeting with the Presidents and Secretaries of various cultural associations. Representatives from the New Zealand Hindu Temple Society, Auckland Malayali Samajam, North Shore Malayali Association, Muthtamil Sangam Auckland, Basava Kannada Association, New Zealand Telugu Association, Telangana Jagruthi New Zealand, Mana Andhra Telugu Association, Probasee Bengali Association, Gujarati Samaj, Rajasthani Association, Uttarakhand Association of New Zealand, Assam Society of New Zealand, Sri Dasmesh Darbar Punjabi Cultural Association, Bharatiya Mandir, and Disha Senior Citizens, along with Malayalam FM and Radio Lemon, participated in the discussions. While some associations were unable to attend due to prior commitments, those present expressed their support for Bharatheeyam and willingness to contribute in various ways.
A Paradigm of Cohesion
Since its establishment, OHM NZ has been at the forefront of preserving cultural legacies while cultivating bridges between communities in Aotearoa. Bharatheeyam exemplifies this mission, transcending the role of a traditional festival. Through its array of artistic showcases, gastronomic experiences, and intellectual exchanges, it underscores the interconnectedness and mutual enrichment that arise from pluralistic dialogue.
The OHM NZ Executive Team warmly invites you to join this extraordinary celebration of diversity, culture, and togetherness. Whether you are a connoisseur of Bharat’s traditions or seeking to immerse yourself in a novel cultural experience, Bharatheeyam guarantees an enlightening and memorable day for all.
Event Details:
Date: 15 March 2025 from 5 pm to 10 pm
Venue: Swami Narayan Temple Complex, Papatoetoe, Auckland
Hosted By: Organisation of Hindu Malayalees New Zealand (OHM NZ)
Tickets: $30/- (ages five and above, including a three-course vegetarian dinner)
Book your tickets @ https://ohmnz.org.nz/event-view/bharatheeyam/
The Executive Team of OHM NZ, led by President Soumini Raja Varma, warmly anticipates your presence at this extraordinary grand festival
Prasanth Pavithran is an elected Member of the Executive Committee of the Organisation of Hindu Malayalees New Zealand. The organisation supplied the images appearing here.
