The high status that women occupy in Indian homes, culture, community and society will be the highlight at the Rotorua Deepawali Festival (RDF) this year.
From the way it is spelt (‘Deepawali,’ not Diwali or ‘Deepavali’) and the way it is organised, Rotorua marks the Festival of Lights with a different theme every year, adding meaning and purpose to the event. While the Festival has acquired commercial overtones almost everywhere else, it has retained the cultural and community flair in Rotorua.
RDF Joint Coordinator Dr Meeta Patel said women are in charge of planning, organising and presenting the Festival on October 1 at the Rotorua Convention Centre. More than 4000 men, women and children are expected to attend the daylong event, entry to which is free.
“We hope that the event would send the message of how women can exert a positive influence on the society in leadership roles,” she said and invited women from all ethnic communities to participate in the Festival.
Dr Patel said the Organising Committee already comprises young women representing the Indian, Nepali, Fijian and Samoan communities and that representation of women from other groups would enhance the value of the event.
Although Deepawali is primarily a Hindu festival, the event has acquired a larger dimension in Rotorua.
Festival Coordinator Dr Guna Magesan said the first Festival, held three years ago, was free of smoking, alcohol and meat, highlighting the need for healthier lifestyle.
“Hindu-Maori Whakawhanaungatanga (kinship) was the theme the following year, while ‘Youth Development’ was the theme at the RDF 2010. The programme emphasised the participation of youth from the Hindu and other communities in healthy discussions and competitions to promote social harmony,” he said.
He said the Festival attracts residents from other cities and towns including Auckland, Hamilton, Taumarunui, Taupo, Tauranga, Whakatane and Wellington.
RDF is an initiative of the Hindu Council of New Zealand incorporated as a charitable organisation in Rotorua. As well as promoting inter-community exchange in arts, culture and heritage, the Council interacts with Maori and arranges for Hindus to stay at the Marae to understand and appreciate Maori culture and tradition.
Rotorua Mayor Kevin Winters lauded the efforts of the Hindu Council, saying that it invests substantial time and effort in organising Deepawali.
“The Rotorua community has embraced the Deepawali Festival and thoroughly enjoys the colour, food and entertainment associated with the Festival. We can expect an even more varied Festival this year with the help of women,” he said.
Dr Magesan urged those interested in securing seats at the Rotorua Convention Centre to contact the Organising Committee as soon as possible.
The Centre has 685 seats, of which 300 are already reserved, he said.
Requests for seats, which will be allocated subject to availability, can be sent by email to rotorua.deepawali@gmail.com
