The Auckland sky transformed into a canvas of vibrant colours as the Indian Kite Festival, organised by Vaishnav Parivar NZ Inc., took flight on January 13.
A celebration of the ancient Indian tradition, the Eastdale Reserve Avondale event saw a record-breaking attendance of more than 8,000 people, say organisers.
The festival unfolded under ideal weather conditions, providing the perfect backdrop for kite enthusiasts and families. Organisers were delighted at the turnout, emphasising the seamless blend of tradition, community spirit, and entertainment. The diverse crowd, representing various ethnicities, demonstrated the festival's universal appeal.
"We were delighted by the huge crowd in attendance. Sponsors and food stall holders were beaming with happiness at the fantastic response. It proved the continuing popularity of the Indian Kite Festival. People of all ethnicities attended and enjoyed the festival.
“This was another successful festival undertaken with the support of Auckland Council, The Lion Foundation, the Whau Local Board and the Trust Community Foundation. A special thanks to Mehul Mody of Harcourts Topline, Khushbu Gandhi of Best Visa Solution and Sanjiv Brahmbhatt of Reliance Ventilation Systems," said one of the organisers.
Attendees echoed the sentiment, expressing their joy and appreciation for the lively affair. "It's not just about flying kites; it's about embracing a piece of our culture and sharing it with everyone. The colours, the kites, the laughter – it's a day that brings us all together," said Anika Patel, a festival attendee.
Reflecting on the significance of such community events, Mehta emphasised their role in bringing together the Kiwi-Indian diaspora.
"The celebration of the Indian Kite Festival in Auckland brings together the Indian diaspora who can meet and greet and enjoy the event so passionately celebrated in many parts of India annually. The event also provides a platform for all other communities in Auckland to share and learn about this ancient Indian tradition," he added.
Vaishnav Parivar New Zealand initiated the Indian Kite Festival in New Zealand in 2006, marking a historic milestone. Despite facing challenges during the two years of the Covid-19 lockdown, the festival has been successfully hosted every year since its inception, becoming a cherished tradition for the Kiwi-Indian community.