The Tauranga Telugu community came together on March 30, 2025, at Bethlehem Hall to celebrate Ugadi, the traditional New Year’s Day for South Indians. This grand event, organised by the Tauranga Telugu Community (BOP), marked the beginning of the New Year in the Telugu calendar with vibrant cultural performances, rituals, and a sense of unity.
Reflecting on the success of the celebration, the organisers shared a heartfelt message.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone for making this event a grand success. Our community is growing stronger, and we are excited to celebrate many more occasions as one big family”
Ugadi, which is celebrated in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and parts of Maharashtra, is considered an ideal time to begin new ventures and personal resolutions. For the Telugu community in Tauranga, the festival was an opportunity to not only celebrate their cultural heritage but also to strengthen their ties within the broader Aotearoa New Zealand society.
The evening’s festivities began with the lighting of the Diya, followed by the national anthems of New Zealand and India. The event then proceeded with a traditional Ugadi Puja, setting the tone for the evening’s spiritual and cultural activities.
One of the key highlights was the inauguration of the Tauranga Telugu Community (BOP) Inc. and the unveiling of its new logo, which added an extra layer of excitement to the occasion. The celebration also featured the Panchanga Sravanam, where participants were given insights into the New Year’s predictions according to the Telugu calendar.
Photo: Supplied
A traditional Ugadi festival wouldn’t be complete without the preparation and serving of Ugadi Pachadi, a dish that symbolizes the various flavors of life—sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and spicy. This dish was enjoyed by all as a symbol of renewal and hope for the year ahead.
The stage came alive with performances by talented community members, especially the children, who showcased their skills in music and dance. The evening’s atmosphere was further elevated by a traditional community dinner, which felt like a grand wedding banquet, with delicious homemade vegetarian dishes served in abundance.
Photo: Supplied
As the event drew to a close, attendees enjoyed an exciting raffle draw giveaway, sponsored by Yogiji’s Tauranga.
The event not only marked the start of a new year for the Telugu community but also highlighted the ongoing commitment of the Tauranga Telugu Family to contribute to the wider Tauranga community. The bond within the group continues to grow, fostering a vibrant and inclusive future for all.
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