New Zealand’s cultural plurality was underscored by a number of ethnic festivals that attract wider communities, the proximate proof of which was Diwali 2012 held at the Aotea Centre in Auckland City on October 13 and 14, 2012.
Hundreds of thousands of people, cutting across cultural, linguistic and ethnic barriers visited the venue over the two days, enjoying a wide variety of Indian cuisine, cultural programmes, fine arts and various other products and services offered by performers, retailers and individuals.
Organised by the Wellington based Asia NZ Foundation, the event, has over the past 11 years, gained the support of a number of organisations including the Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED), the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) of the Indian Government, commercial banks, wholesalers, retailers and many others.
Among the main sponsors this year were ANZ Bank and Radio Tarana.
Indian Newslink fondly remembers the formative stages of what is now a grand Diwali festival celebrated under the aegis of the local governments in Wellington and Auckland – those early days of planning, market research, challenges and anxiety.
Prime Minister John Key, Labour Party’s Phil Goff (representing Opposition Leader David Shearer), Councillor Alf Filipaina (for Auckland Mayor Len Brown), Members of Parliament David Cunliffe, Dr Rajen Prasad, Dr Jackie Blue and Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, and community and business leaders were among those present at the inaugural ceremony held at the Aotea Centre on October 13 (see main report on Page One).
Among the highlights of the festival this year was the performance of artistes from the ‘Rangashree School of Fine Arts,’ based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
The troupe, sponsored by ICCR through its special arrangement with Asia NZ Foundation, is known for its professional dancers, colourful costumes and lively music.
Established in 1998 as a public charitable trust, the School aspires to maintain the spirit of India’s dance traditions through ‘faithful performances.’
Mumbai based Rangoli artist Mugdha Brid captivated visitors at the festival with her unique and colourful creations.
A similar festival would be held in Wellington from October 21 on the TSB Arena and Shed 6 from 130 pm to 10 pm.
Christchurch calling
Our Christchurch Correspondent Dr George Abraham writes:
Indian Social and Cultural Club of Christchurch and the wider South Island Indian community are at the final stage of preparation for the forthcoming Diwali celebrations on Saturday October 20 at the CBS Canterbury Arena.
The Festival is mainly a Christchurch City Council sponsored programme with colourfully decorated and lit venue featuring 25 ethnic food and culture stalls.
Celebrations will start at 3 pm with a public function at 5 pm attended by Ethnic Affairs Minister Judith Collins, Indian High Commissioner Avanindra Kumar Pandey, Member of Parliament and community leaders.
The programme will feature cultural performances.
Tarana Diwali Mela
Radio Tarana is organising it’s the ‘Manukau Diwali Mela 2012’ at Telstra Clear Pacific Events Centre (Great South Road, Manukau) on October 28, 2012.
The programme, comprising a series of events, will commence at 12 pm and conclude after 9 pm with fireworks.
Entertainment items presented by a number of groups, food stalls and amusement for children will be among the highlights of the Festival.
Managing Director Robert Khan said that more than 20,000 men, women and children of various ethnic groups were expected to attend the event.
“We are organising the ‘Manukau Diwali Mela’ as a part of our commitment to serve the growing listenership in particular and the community in general. As we greet our people on the occasion of Diwali, we hope that the Festival will herald a new era of progress and prosperity for all,” he said.
Further details of the Festival can be obtained from Neha Sandhu on 021-2221386. Email: neha@tarana.co.nz
