Vibrant hues, rhythmic beats, and infectious laughter marked the recent Dussehra and Diwali celebrations by New Zealand Telugu Association (NZTA).
The festivities on November 18 at Mahatma Gandhi Centre saw a harmonious fusion of cultural traditions, showcasing the rich heritage of Telugu culture while embracing the multicultural spirit of New Zealand.
Adding a touch of glamour and star power to the festivities was the renowned south Indian actor-filmmaker and politician Sarathkumar Ramanathan. Gracing the NZTA Diwali celebrations as the esteemed chief guest, Kumar brought a sense of excitement and anticipation to the event.
His participation underscored the global significance of Diwali, transcending borders and uniting diverse communities in the joyous celebration of light and unity.
"This celebration goes beyond borders and embraces the universal theme of triumph over adversity. It's heartening to see communities come together to celebrate diversity and unity. Diwali, in its essence, is a festival that belongs to the world," remarked Sarathkumar.
Former parliamentarian and one of the attendees, Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, described his experience sharing the stage with Sarathkumar as “a pleasure”.
Other dignitaries at the event included Narendra Bhana, President NZICA, Sheba Soundhar, President Muthtamil Sangam, and Senthran Arulanantham from the National Party.
NZTA left no stone unturned in creating an immersive experience for attendees. Traditional performances, including energetic dances, musical recitals, and theatrical displays that narrated the tales behind Dussehra and Diwali, adorned the stage. The dhol's lively beats and the dancers' rhythmic footwork added to the festive ambience, creating an atmosphere of unity and shared joy.
Talking about the event’s significance for the Kiwi-Telugu community, Suneel Kuncha, the President of NZTA, said, "Our aim is not only to celebrate our cultural roots but also to share the warmth and vibrancy of our traditions with our fellow Kiwis.
“Dussehra and Diwali transcend borders, and we are thrilled to witness the diverse communities of Auckland coming together to celebrate with us."
One attendee, Shree Lata, said, "Tonight, we not only celebrated age-old traditions but also created new memories of unity and joy that will linger in our hearts.
“The event truly showcased the unity in diversity that defines our multicultural society, leaving an unforgettable impression on all of us.”
The festivities extended beyond the stage as dinner offered a delectable array of Telugu delicacies, providing an unforgettable, authentic experience for one and all.
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