Hari Gaunder
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND, November 7, 2004: It was the first time ever the Hindu Festival of Lights, Deepavali, was celebrated in the New Zealand Parliament, in Wellington on November 2 and the Indians are grateful to the government for recognizing their contributions towards the nation. The Prime Minister, Helen Clark, lit a lamp in the traditional style and created history by taking the renowned festival to the stately corridors to the majestic and imperial Parliament complex, “the Beehive.” The Foreign Affairs Minister, Phil Goff, and Minister of Ethnic Affairs, Chris Carter, were present along with other Ministers. Among the 500 strong gathering were also Members of Parliament, the new Indian High Commissioner, Harish Kumar Dogra, Judge Anand Satyanand, the president of the Central Indian Association, Ashok Darji, and a large number of prominent business and community leaders participating on this auspicious occasion.
It is believed that there are about 65,000 Indians living in New Zealand. Deepavali became popular during the past several years. In her message, Prime Minister Helen Clark, greeted the people with a “Namaste.” “Deepavali is one of the most auspicious festivals for Indians all over the world,” she said. “The Indian community is of long standing in New Zealand and it is wonderful to see the celebration of Deepavali becoming a significant event in New Zealand’s cultural calendar. I have just returned from a very exciting visit to India – the first New Zealand Prime Minister to go there in almost 20 years. New Zealand and India have traditionally had a close relationship, and I want to see these ties grow even stronger. I acknowledge the efforts and dedication of Indians to making a new life and contributing to New Zealand society. Indians now represent a significant proportion of New Zealand’s ethnic minority community and of all the Asian ethnic groups, Indians have the highest number of New Zealand-born members. It is important that ethnic communities have their views heard in Government. It is the role of our Minister for Ethnic Affairs, Chris Carter, to ensure they are.”
Thousands of people of many races supported Auckland’s vast Indian community to celebrate Deepavali at Auckland’s Town Hall, in Queen street, in the heart of the city, hosted by Asia 2000 foundation. “The annual festival is fast becoming a must do event for Aucklanders of all cultures”, says the weekly, Aucklander. More than 40,000 people took part in last year’s activities and this time around, it turned out to be even bigger and better, attracting more than 50,000 people of all races. The Bollywood dance competition is always a major highlight and as always there were hundreds of lights and spectacular decorations. There was non-stop, free family entertainment by international and local performers, delicious Indian food, a rangoli contest, craft stalls, cultural activities and a fireworks display. The Rangla Punjab Cultural Youth Club from India entertained the huge gathering in Auckland with their Bhangra dances and later they performed in Hamilton and Wellington. “Deepavali is among the most important and colourful Indian festivals and is celebrated enthusiastically throughout India and by Indians all over the world,” says the Aucklander. New Zealand’s media, including the television, gave wide publicity for a fortnight for the Deepavali celebrations at various centers.