Aucklanders are in for a treat as a gala celebrating Tamil culture is scheduled to take place in the month of April.
Titled ‘Auckland Kari Virinthu’ (Auckland Curry Feast), the event is being organised by the Tamil Association of New Zealand (TANZI) and Arasan NZ Trust, a Tamil organisation working towards social cohesion and inclusion amongst and between south Asian communities and wider ethnic communities.
The event, which endeavours to showcase the culture and unity of Tamil people living in New Zealand, is being held for the first time in Auckland. It will take place on April 22, 2023, from 11am to 4pm at Bruce Pulman Park in Takanini.
"Kari" traditionally refers to meat or curry but in modern terms refers to food both vegarian and non-vegetarian, while "Virunthu" means a feast. It is a term used in Tamil cuisine to refer to a traditional South Indian meal served on a banana leaf. The dishes are served in a specific order, with each dish complementing the others.
TANZI’s President Sowndra Rajan Palanisamy says, “Kari Virunthu is more than just a meal in Tamil culture as it symbolises hospitality and generosity. It is seen as a way of bringing people together and strengthening social bonds. Moreover, it is considered a symbol of hospitality and a way of showing respect to the guests."
Palanisamy says they expect more than 500 people to attend the event. The invitees include Tamil and ethnic community leaders, parliamentarians, and the High Commissioner of India to New Zealand.
He says, “We are very excited about the event as it will provide an opportunity for the community members to connect over their traditional values. We want people to enjoy and mingle with each other and have a great time. This is not only for Tamils or South Indians. We will welcome and host anyone wanting to participate in this traditional cultural festival."
Talking to The Indian Weekender, Dr Lux Selvanesan, Chairman of Arasan New Zealand, said, "We hope to offer 20 different types of food items, separately for vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisine, for each attendee to enjoy. The attendees will experience the explosion of tastes of a South Indian Curry Virunthu. Indians in New Zealand usually only get this experience when they return to their homeland for a celebration. Bring your ethnic friends to learn about this beautiful South Indian culture and celebrate the traditions with us."
The festival will also have many fun-filled activities, including traditional games, quiz, a lucky draw, and a traditional attire prize for men, women, and families, including non-Indians.
What: Auckland Kari Virinthu
When: April 22, 2023, 11am to 4 pm
Where: Bruce Pulman Park, 90 Walters Road, Takanini, Auckland 2112
Tickets: Visit www.trybooking.co.nz/MZA. $25 for an adult, $60 for a family with a child under 10, and $70 for a family with two children
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