A recent event in Auckland was all about displaying the colourful Rajasthani culture. About 100 people turned up for Rajasthan Diwas organised by the Rajasthan Association Charitable Trust NZ on April 2, 2023.
Guests were welcomed at Bharatiya Mandir Community Hall in Mt Albert with a tilak and traditional sweets as per typical Rajasthani customs. Aesthetic décor with traditional puppets hung on walls, and a photo booth with the theme of Rajasthan, made the perfect setting for the event.
Elders and children enthralled everyone with their dance performances on Rajasthani folk music, such as ‘Jhume Bajudari’, ‘Gera Dhol Baaje’, ‘Chunar Odi’, ‘Bani Tharo Chand’ and ‘Leta Jaejo Re’.
Other highlights were stand-up comedy acts in Rajasthani and speeches on local culture by children.
Reema from Rajasthan Association Charitable Trust NZ said, “It has been wonderful to see our efforts to bring together the Rajasthani community in Auckland coming to fruition. All attendees were over the moon to get a taste of their homeland here in New Zealand. It had always been my dream to bring the Rajasthani people of New Zealand together in one room to keep the culture alive, share our stories and feel like one big family away from home."
She added it is crucial to do these events to retain the knowledge and essence of our Indian culture and teach our kids about their roots, where their families come from, and where their parents have grown up.
Guests also seemed to have enjoyed the feel of a mini Rajasthan. One of the attendees, Nirmala Agrawal, said, "A big thank you to the organisers for bringing us all together with their initiatives and effort. It takes work to put together something like this. Stage, photo booth, info on Rajasthan, welcoming ceremony, kids’ stall…everything was amazing."
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