Venkat Raman
Auckland, October 16, 2022
Waitakere Diwali 2022 surpassed its record of excellence and participation of a large number of people, bringing pride and joy to its sponsors and officials.
The daylong event, organised by the Waitakere Indian Association (WIA) at the Trusts Arena in the West Auckland suburb of Henderson on Sunday, October 9, 2022, brought together tens of thousands of men, women and children who bought and sold goods of everyday use, exchanged pleasantries and enjoyed quality food that was prepared and served with love and affection.
There were also Bollywood dances and spectacular Fireworks.
Indian Newslink and Radio Tarana are the only two media organisations that have been associated with the WIA since the event began 22 years ago and hence we note with pride the growth of the event from strength to strength, witnessing each year an increasing number of volunteers taking part in putting the event together.
There were 300 performers this year.
Time for Charity and Service
WIA President Sunil Kaushal said that while the reasons for what it commemorates, Diwali is a time for Dana (charitable giving) and Seva (selfless service).
The alleviation of tangible forms of suffering, such as hunger, disease, and poverty, is an essential component of the Hindu tradition. Service is worship, no less than performing a puja or practicing meditation or studying scripture,” he said.
“New Zealand is built on its diversity, and we honour the symbols and traditions of Kiwis who have made our country what it is today. Kiwi Indians are an important part of our social and cultural fabric, and Diwali is a time to celebrate community, family, and hope for the future. That’s why we must celebrate Diwali each year and recognise its significance,” he said.
As Mr Kaushal mentioned, WIA was the first Indian community organisation to celebrate Diwali with the people in 2000. From a small number of hundreds, it has grown to over ten thousand people from every walk of life, religion and ethnicity attending this much-loved event, which is in its 22nd year celebration with the community, he said.
About Waitakere Indian Association
He said that over the years, WIA has played an important role in serving the community in West Auckland and advocating issues relating to the Indian Diaspora.
“WIA recognises that in a multicultural Auckland, there is multinationalism in the Indian Diaspora too. The Indian diaspora in the West not only represents Indian and Fijian-born residents but also from other parts of the world like Africa, America, and Europe. WIA has also reached out to the local communities when it comes to the safety of our community or advocating issues about religious last rites. WIA also supports the local and New Zealand’s largest Hindi School – the Waitakere Hindi School,” he said.
“In the spirit of Diwali, WIA urges you to donate your time and resources for the upliftment of those in need. Remember to support your favourite charities this Diwali through both dana and seva,” Mr Kaushal said and quoted the Taittiriya Upanishad, which said, “Give. Give with faith. Do not give without faith. Give with sensitivity. Give with a feeling of abundance. Give with the right understanding.
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