IWK

Bhartiya Samaj celebrates Diwali in Auckland

Written by IWK Bureau | Oct 27, 2022 12:52:53 AM

Bhartiya Samaj’s Diwali celebration in Auckland was all about celebrating the rich Indian culture and heritage on a lavish scale. 

The event at the Mt Eden War memorial hall was a perfect amalgamation of incredible festive vibes, magnificent cultural performances, and delicious Indian food. 

Over 300 people were in attendance at the event that took place on October 22. 

 

 

The  Kiwi Indian community came together to celebrate the festival of lights after  

a Covid - imposed gap of two years.  

The dignitaries in attendance included  Hon Consul of India in Auckland Bhav Dhillon and his wife Ruby; Nepal's Honorary Consul Dinesh Khadka; New Zealand Police's Ethnic Responsiveness Manager for Metro Auckland Jessica Phuang; Members of Parliament Melissa Lee; Vanushi Walters; ACT Party Leader David Seymour; New Zealand Central Indian Association's president Narendra Bhana; Auckland India Association's president Dhansukh Lal; Auckland Marathi Association's President Neha Nalawade; Fiji Girmit Foundation New Zealand Foundation's National President Krish Naidu; Pakistan Association of New Zealand's President Naveed, among others.

Jeet Suchdev, Founder and Chairperson of Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust, said: "It was a great feeling having everyone coming together to celebrate our tradition and culture after two years. No matter what religion you follow, Diwali is a festival that brings all the communities together in India and the world. The event was a perfect opportunity to unite people and give our next generation a strong foundation of love, values, truth, culture, tradition and spirituality in NZ.”

Hon. Consul Bhav Dhillon said, "It is wonderful to join the Bhartiya Samaj family to celebrate Diwali. It is a real privilege to celebrate Diwali with senior citizens of our diaspora.” 

David Seymour also thanked Bhartiya Samaj and wrote on his social media, “Thank you to Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust for hosting me at this splendid celebration of letting the light shine.”

Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust has taken its Diwali celebrations to Australia as it spreads its wings overseas. The charitable organisation will launch its Brisbane (Australia) chapter on November 5 during a grand Diwali celebration in the capital city of Queensland. 

Suchdev said: "We take great pride in announcing the launch of our Brisbane chapter and Diwali celebrations put together by this chapter. We hope to spread  the vision of Bhartiya Samaj to the communities of Brisbane."

Other Diwali celebrations by the charitable organisation are scheduled in Queenstown on October 29 and in Canterbury on November 13.