Christchurch Vaisakhi Mela 2023, commemorating the Punjabi harvest festival of Vaisakhi, was held on April 1, 2023, at YMCA Bishopdale. With about 1,000 people attending, the event was a great success and a fantastic showcase of the Sikh community’s rich culture and heritage.
Vaisakhi, the annual festival celebrated traditionally on April 13, is one of the most significant festivals in northern India, marking the first day of the Vaisakh month and a celebration of the spring harvest.
For Sikhs, it is more than just a harvest festival. The day marks the birth of the Khalsa Panth established by Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Guru of Sikhism, 13 April 13. This historical moment was a turning point in Sikh history and is celebrated with utmost reverence and devotion by visiting gurdwaras, kirtan processions, community fairs and raising the Nishan Sahib flag.
In Christchurch, the Sikh community celebrated the festival a little earlier this year, on April 1. Community members started gathering at about 6pm, with families dressed in traditional clothing adding to the colourful atmosphere of the event.
Bikanervala, a popular Indian restaurant in Christchurch, served some delicious Indian street food, including hot jalebis that were a hit with everyone. In addition to food stalls, there were also stalls selling Indian clothes, face painting, henna and other wares, making the event a perfect place to shop and socialise.
Many people attended the event with their parents visiting from India. The Vaisakhi celebration was an excellent opportunity for them to meet the community and make new friends while also providing a window into how this traditional Indian festival is celebrated in New Zealand.
The event hosts were Harman Gill, who also led a fabulous Jaggo performance in the traditional Punjabi folk style. Along with her co-host Harpreet Dhariwal, they infused entertainment and fun into the event by improvising and effortlessly connecting with the audience.
The big stage at the event had many performances, with the highlight being ‘Anakh Punjab di’, a bhangra group from Auckland. Members of the group looked stunning in their traditional Punjabi dresses, and their bhangra and ‘boliyan’ performances brought the essence of Punjabi culture to the event.
The young and talented Aura had two performances and mesmerised everyone with her energy and confident performance. Sammy Kahlon sang a lovely Punjabi number, while Rebel Roots dance group showcased some cool and funky dance moves.
The event was attended by Labour MP for Ilam Sarah Pallett and ACT Party MP Toni Severin, with both expressing their appreciation for the Sikh community’s contributions to New Zealand.
Pallett highlighted how the Sikh community supported more than 100,000 people during the Covid-19 lockdown, and has been helping the flood and cyclone victims in North Island.
“Whenever this country has any problem, you have opened your heart and your doors to support people. Thank you for always being there for the people of New Zealand. Our community is richer by having you here,” Pallet said.
Severin said, “New Zealand has a multicultural society and celebrations like this are a great way to bring all of us together, explore each other’s cultures and be part of the larger community.”
The Canterbury Punjabi Association organised the event, and its President, Narinder Singh Waraich, expressed his happiness in hosting the event after a gap of five years due to the pandemic and its aftermath. “What a fantastic turnout! And what a great opportunity to celebrate our culture, heritage and be a part of the larger community in a fun and relaxed environment,” he said.
The event was supported by NZ Mortgages, Bikanervala, Arise Financial Services, Jagmeet Singh, Kia Ora Constructions, Visapoint Immigration, Gill Joinery, Small Business Accounting, Fanfare events, Smart Fitting and Stitching, Unique Ethnic Collection, Unique Beds and EPS Foam.
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