A Warm Welcome From Leaders
The ceremony was chaired by the Consulate General of India, Mr Madan Mohan Sethi, who attended with his wife, Mrs Swagatika Mohanty. Their presence added grace and inspiration to the evening.
Several respected personalities joined the celebration, including:
- NZICA President Veer Khar
- Bank of Baroda MD Mr Sandeep Khetan
- Community advocate Sunny Kaushal
- MP Dr Parmjeet Parmar
- MP Rima Nakhle
- Pandit Shri Aswani Mahar ji
- Business leader Mr Anurag Rasela
- Indian News Editor in Chief, Mr Yugal Parasar
Their words focused on cultural pride, community bonding, and the importance of celebrating Indian heritage in New Zealand.
Organisers and Key Contributors
The celebration was organised by Hindu Foundation New Zealand, led by President Mr Sunil Das, with strong support from:
- Vice President Sundip Mehta
- Secretary Jot Bhist
- Executive member Mr Sanjay Pandey
- Executive Ram Lingam
- Executive Kumar Yadav
The evening was also beautifully hosted by MCs Neelu Taore and Suchi Goyal, whose warm presentation kept the program engaging from beginning to end.
Guests appreciated the hard work of the entire organising team, who brought devotion, coordination, and community spirit together to create a memorable evening.
Deep Prajwalan and Cultural Offerings
The event began with deep prajwalan, symbolising light, purity, and devotion. Meditation, chanting, and cultural performances added a peaceful and uplifting tone to the night.
A special highlight was the performance by Basant Gharana, which brought classical music and rhythmic expression to the hall. Families enjoyed activities such as taffle, and several people won prizes that added joy to the evening.
A Delicious Dinner Loved by All
The event concluded with a flavourful dinner prepared by Junoon Restaurant, led by Rupesh ji. Guests praised the food and thanked the team for their warm hospitality.
A Milestone for the Indian Community in New Zealand
The first Dev Deepavali celebration in New Zealand marked a meaningful cultural milestone. It showcased the beauty of Indian traditions, strengthened community relationships, and created a sense of belonging for families living far from home.
Webfit News was proud to be part of this historic celebration and will continue sharing stories that highlight culture and community across Aotearoa.
