In a dazzling display of colour, rhythm, and unity, New Zealand Telangana Central Association recently unveiled a grand cultural extravaganza in Auckland. The event on October 7 celebrated the rich heritage and traditions of Telangana.
Against the backdrop of the prestigious Mahatma Gandhi Centre in Auckland, the event brought together a diverse community of hundreds, igniting the senses of prominent community members, cultural enthusiasts, and distinguished dignitaries alike.
A ‘Purna Kumbham’ ritual marked the event's commencement, symbolising a warm welcome for New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins.
The cultural extravaganza continued with engaging performances by prominent dance troupes, skillfully encapsulating the essence of Telangana's folk tunes and Bollywood hits.
Hipkins himself partook in the observance of the ‘Bathukamma’ festival, where he witnessed women singing and dancing in the spirit of tradition.
In his keynote address, Hipkins outlined his vision for a long-term visa policy for immigrant parents and the initiation of a trade deal with India, underlining the event's significance in fostering international ties.
It was a heartfelt homage to Telangana's cultural treasures, from the rhythmic beats of Bathukamma to the grandeur of Dasara and the luminous spectacle of Deepavali, as well as the momentous Decennial Year of Telangana Formation Day.
Labour’s Priyanca Radhakrishnan delivered a heartfelt address in Telugu, sharing her memories of a meeting with Telangana minister KTR in Hyderabad. She said, “It was lovely to pop into an early celebration of Bathukamma, Dasara and Diwali organised by the NZ Telangana Central Association.
“Loved the warm welcome they gave us and the PM. The crowd was particularly appreciative of our government’s focus on strengthening the NZ-India relationship and the PM’s commitment to lead a delegation to India within 100 days if re-elected!”
The event also featured the felicitation of Nita Vijay, the founder of ‘Brand Telangana’, with the prestigious ‘Pride of Telangana’ and ‘Star Woman - Inspire Award’. Hipkins received the ‘Rajanna Siri Pattu Shawl’, which was designed by Nita Vijay and intricately woven by Hariprasad, as a tribute to Telangana's rich artistic heritage.
The event culminated with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Ram Mohan Danthala, acknowledging all those who contributed to the event's resounding success.
The grand celebration concluded with a sumptuous lunch that delighted all attendees, leaving a savoury taste and a sense of cultural unity lingering in the air.
Sharing his thoughts about the celebration, Honorary Consul of India in New Zealand Bhav Dhillon said, “It was such vibrant and colourful celebration of Bathukamma. It was great to see PM of NZ Chris Hipkin attend it. It’s a time when communities come together to offer their beautiful floral arrangements to goddess Gauri. Let’s embrace this spirit of unity, culture and tradition.”
Kalyan Rao Kasuganti, President of New Zealand Telangana Central Association, said the event served as a platform for diverse community groups to showcase their culture and traditions, fostering unity and camaraderie among attendees.
“The enthusiastic participation and feedback from the Kiwi-Indian communities underscored the event's success in achieving its objectives. Such events play a pivotal role in fostering unity, camaraderie, and cultural awareness among the Kiwi-Indian community.”
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