Praneeta Mahajan
Hamilton, April 24, 2024
From the majestic Himalayas to the serene backwaters of Kerala, from the bustling streets of Kolkata to the tranquil villages of Assam, the tapestry of Indian New Year celebrations reflects the unity in diversity that defines the nation.
As people from all walks of life come together to embrace their cultural heritage and welcome the promise of a new beginning, Hamiltonians will see a vibrant community come together this weekend to celebrate the New Year as one cohesive unit.
Despite being miles away from their homeland, the Indian diaspora in Hamilton maintains strong ties to their cultural roots and traditions, and the event is an effort to present the vibrancy of India to the next generation, and the wider Waikato community, said the organisers.
About the Event
On April 27, 2024, the Indian Cultural Society (Waikato) Inc. will organise the ‘Waikato Indian New Year Mela’ which will bring celebrations from across varied regions under one roof, at Hamilton Gardens.
The event will be organised at the Hamilton Garden pavilion, ensuring a weather-proof indoor venue, and will feature traditional dances, music performances, and mouth-watering Indian cuisine, in a bid to create an atmosphere of warmth and camaraderie, allowing members of the community to forge new connections and strengthen existing bonds.
The special highlight of the event is the first ever ‘Indian Master Chef’ competition, which has garnered a lot of interest with more than 17 entries, and more requests pouring in even after the entries were closed. The event will take place from 8 am on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at the Wintec Campus, in a professional kitchen setting, and the event will be live streamed by the organisers.
Unified in celebrations
As they join hands in celebration, the spirit of unity transcends geographical boundaries, embodying the essence of the Indian New Year as a time for togetherness and solidarity.
Jujhar Singh Randhawa, the Vice President of the Indian Cultural Society (Waikato)Inc. and the head of events, said, “Our Indian community in Hamilton reflects the beautiful diversity of our motherland, with people from various regions and backgrounds coming together under one roof. While our traditions and customs may vary, our celebrations are unified by the spirit of togetherness and harmony. This weekend’s festivities are a testament to the fact that no matter where we come from, when it comes to celebrating the New Year, we stand united as one community, embodying the rich tapestry of Indian culture.”
Bringing Hamilton together
While talking to Indian Newslink, Mr Randhawa proudly reflected on the overwhelming success of previous festivities, where large turnouts and enthusiastic participation from both the Indian community and Kiwi families alike have been witnessed.
The palpable excitement and positive feedback received from attendees underscore the growing demand for more family-oriented events that enrich the cultural tapestry of the city.
According to Rebecca M, “Attending the Indian celebrations in Hamilton was an incredible experience that not only allowed me to immerse myself in the vibrant colours and sounds of Indian culture but also provided an opportunity for my family to learn and appreciate the diversity within our community. We look forward to more such events that bring people together and celebrate the beauty of different traditions.” This sentiment echoes the sentiments of many who believe that such events contribute significantly to fostering a sense of unity, understanding, and mutual respect among the diverse communities that call Hamilton home.
What the celebrations mean
In the northern region of Punjab, Sikhs and Hindus commemorate the joyous festival of Baisakhi. This harvest festival marks the onset of the Sikh New Year and holds immense significance for farmers, who rejoice in the bountiful yield of their crops.
Meanwhile, in the southern state of Kerala, the dawn of the New Year is heralded with the auspicious festival of Vishu. Families awaken to the sight of the Vishu Kani, an elaborate arrangement of auspicious items such as gold, fruits, and flowers, believed to bring prosperity and good fortune in the coming year.
In Tamil Nadu, the advent of the New Year is celebrated with great fervour during Puthandu, also known as Tamil New Year. Homes are adorned with colorful kolams (rangoli), and temples resonate with the chanting of hymns as devotees seek blessings for a prosperous year ahead.
Crossing over to the eastern region of West Bengal, the air is filled with the joyous spirit of Piola Baisakh, marking the Bengali New Year. The sound of ‘dhak’ (drums) accompanies the rhythmic movements of dancers, while sweet delicacies like ‘panta bhat’ and ‘ilish maach’ grace dining tables, symbolise the essence of the season.
Venturing southwards to the island nation of Sri Lanka, communities come together to celebrate Aluth Avurudu, the Sinhalese New Year. Traditional rituals such as lighting the hearth (‘Auspicious Time for Lighting the Fire’), preparing kiribath (milk rice), and exchanging betel leaves symbolise the renewal of friendships and familial bonds.
In the northeastern state of Assam, the arrival of spring is celebrated with the vibrant festival of Bihu. Colourful dances such as the Bihu dance and Husori performances captivate audiences and enhance festivities.
Praneeta Mahajan is an Indian Newslink reporter based in Hamilton.
