The IndianNZ Association of Christchurch Inc held their first-ever International Women's Cultural Celebration at La Vida Centre on May 6, 2023.
The well-attended event celebrated women from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities, bringing them together to showcase their cultures through music and dance.
The event, formerly known as 'Mela Punjabana Da', has this year evolved to become more inclusive, now involving women from all ethnicities.
According to Parminder Kaur, Chair of the IndianNZ Association of Christchurch Inc, the decision to create an international women's platform was in response to requests from members of wider communities.
Kaur explains, "Based on the requests, we decided to transform the former 'Mela Punjabana Da' into an international platform where women from all backgrounds can come together and celebrate womanhood. The event is a tribute to hardworking women from all around the world and celebrates the beauty of diversity, coinciding with Mother's Day."
The evening was hosted by two emcees from the Filipino community who set the tone for an entertaining evening.
The event featured 18 cultural performances from different cultures, including Chinese, Tibetan, Indian Punjabi Bhangra and Bollywood gigs. All the performances were well received and appreciated by the audience, which was made up mostly of women.
The event's highlight was the moving Mother's Day observation, where everyone in the audience turned on their phones' flashlight to pay tribute to all mothers while an emotional song played in the background.
Among the attendees were Minister for Diversity, Inclusion and Ethnic Communities Priyanca Radhakrishnan, who was also the chief guest; besides Member of Parliament for Ilam Sarah Pallett.
Other distinguished members from different communities, including Selwyn District Council staff, MSD managers and education minister’s staff, also attended the event.
Nidhi Sharma, who was present at the event, said, "The event was very well organised and absolutely entertaining. It has provided a much-needed platform for women from diverse cultures in Christchurch to come together, celebrate their unique cultural identities, and appreciate the inclusivity and diversity of our community. I'm confident this event will become a highly anticipated fixture on Christchurch's cultural calendar."
Kaur thanked all the performers, visitors and dignitaries who made the event a great success. Kaur also thanked the sponsors, including NZ Mortgages, Yogesh Bhargava, Bombay Bazaar Christchurch, Limelight Constructions, Arise Financial Services, and Indian Paradise, the food partner.