Saturday, September 9, 2023 at 10 am at Mahatma Gandhi Centre, Eden Terrace, Auckland
Venkat Raman
Auckland, September 7, 2023
One of the largest events on the Hindu Youth Calendar will be held on Saturday, September 9, 2023.
DharmaFest, as it is called, is being organised by the Hindu Youth New Zealand (HYNZ), following the success of its inaugural event last year.
The day-long event will incorporate a wide range of activities, stalls and cultural and social fusion bringing forth the inherent goodness in human beings.
DharmaFest will be held in Auckland on Saturday 9th September 2023 from 10 am to 4 pm at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre, Eden Terrace, Auckland.
A completely youth-led initiative, it is an event that brings various Dharma-based groups, temples, and spiritual organisations together to showcase the beautiful dimensions of New Zealand’s diverse Dharmic communities and celebrate Vibhinnatāyām Ekatvam or Unity in Diversity.
Entry to free and open to all, and will be free of cigarette smoking, alcohol and meat.
Wide Community Representation
HYNZ President and DharmaFest Coordinator Murali Krishna Magesan said that the event will start with the traditional welcoming of spiritual representatives from various Dharma groups followed by the lighting of the diya (lamp) to mark the auspicious beginning of DharmaFest.
The New Zealand Buddhist Council, New Zealand Central Sikh Association, Hindu Council of New Zealand, BAPS Swaminarayan, Art of Living Foundation, Chinmaya Mission, Sri Ramakrishna Vedanta Centre NZ, Amma New Zealand, Yoga in Daily Life and many more organisations have confirmed their participation, he said.
“Dharma-based traditions, cultures, knowledge systems and lifestyles have been welcomed throughout the world, examples of which include Yoga and Meditation, Mindfulness. Dharmic communities (spiritual, cultural, or service-oriented), have been doing tremendous work and giving back not only to ethnic communities but also to the wider New Zealand society. Dharmic communities have played a key role in promoting pluralism and the respect for harmonious coexistence,” he said.
Mr Murali said that DharmaFest provides an opportunity to highlight and showcase the immense contribution of various Dharmic communities who call Aotearoa home.
DharmaFest is one of the significant contributions of HYNZ to New Zealand, forming a part of its efforts to build a larger social cohesion.
The Activities
Mr Murali said that DharmaFest is a family-friendly event, open to all, where people can explore various stalls to learn about some of the most ancient diverse cultures, Arts, Crafts, Yoga, Meditation and Ayurveda. Many individuals and organisations have been sharing various aspects of the Hindu and Dharmic culture with New Zealand, through performing arts, crafts, science, food, clothing and indigenous knowledge systems.
“People attending this year’s DharmaFest will have an opportunity to experience Yoga and Meditation, get mehndi done, purchase clothing and jewellery and create art. There will be interactive workshops and cultural performances to enjoy. Participants will also see the beautiful diversity, vibrance, colour, festivity, joy and celebration of life. More than 40 stalls have been confirmed. The amazing flavours at the numerous food stalls will be an amazing treat for the public! Hindu Youth New Zealand looks forward to welcoming you at DharmaFest 2023,” Mr Murali said.
About HYNZ
Hindu Youth New Zealand is a youth-led organisation that helps in developing young leaders in Aotearoa New Zealand. Through capability and capacity-building initiatives, such as national conferences, workshops, webinars, cultural events, and mentorship programmes, young people are supported to reach their potential and have an opportunity to contribute to the wider New Zealand society.
Email: hinduyouth.newzealand@gmail.com
Facebook: Hindu Youth New Zealand
Instagram @hinduyouthnz
