Pukekohe, Auckland | WebfitNews.com
The Pukekohe Indian Association (PIA) and the Franklin Indian Cultural Club (FICC) came together to host a spectacular Pukekohe Diwali 2025 on Saturday, 18 October 2025, at the PIA Event Center, 55 Ward Street, Pukekohe.
From captivating performances to delicious food stalls, kids’ activities, and a grand fireworks finale, the festival brought the best of tradition, creativity, and community pride to the Franklin district.
The event beautifully reflected how unity between two strong community organizations can light up hearts and strengthen cultural bonds.
Program highlights
- Opening ceremony with the PIA committee at 4 PM
- VIP segment from 5 PM to 6 PM
- Fireworks between 9 PM and 9.30 PM
Distinguished guests
- Hon. Andrew Bayly, MP for Port Waikato
- Alan Cole, Franklin Local Board representative
- Manish Kumar, Vice President, Indian Council, representing the Indian Consulate in Auckland
World-class performances
Desi Dance Group from Roseville College
A spirited debut by Year 9 and Year 10 students who performed at a Diwali celebration for the first time. Their enthusiasm and confidence won hearts and set the tone for a joyful evening.
“We are the Desi Dance Group from Roseville College. This is our first Diwali performance and we are very excited.”
Spirit of the Tribe
A seasoned tribal-style belly dance ensemble performing together for more than fifteen years. Their global fusion blends Indian, Middle Eastern, and contemporary influences into graceful storytelling through movement.
Performers include Anne, Heather, Ali, Jackie, Fabienne, Sarah, Mel, and Olga, led by Michaela, with Luke on drums.
“We are Spirit of the Tribe, a global style tribal belly dance group with Indian influences. We have been together for 15 years and love performing for multicultural audiences. Connect with us on Instagram using #SpiritOfTheTribe,” said Michaela.
River City PunjabiZ – the energy of Punjab
Adding vibrant desi energy to the evening, River City PunjabiZ delivered a high-octane bhangra performance that had the audience clapping along.
Group members: Angad Singh, Brahm, Aditya, Deja, Daksh, Salwa, and Zinagan.
Their rhythm and unity captured the spirit of Punjab and amplified the festival’s diverse lineup.
A legacy that shines bright – Hansa Ben’s voice[Pukekohe Indian Association will be 90th next year]
A heartfelt moment came from Hansa Naran, fondly known as Hansa Ben, who reflected on decades of community building.
“I came to New Zealand in 1971 when I was very young. I joined the Kothari Indian Association in 1980, and we have been celebrating Diwali here for five or six years now. This is the biggest crowd we have seen. We have to thank everybody because whether you are a spectator, an audience member, or a performer, you are all part of it. Without everyone, there would be no event. For those who missed it, please come next time. It is only getting bigger and better.”
Pukekohe Indian Association (PIA) Committee 2025
ChatGPT said:
Perfect 👍 Here’s the updated Pukekohe Indian Association (PIA) Committee 2025 section with all the new names included, formatted cleanly and professionally for your article or website:
Pukekohe Indian Association (PIA) Committee 2025
President: Harsad Bhula
Vice President: David Kana
Secretary: Arshdeep Kaur
Treasurer: Preyesh Master
Committee Members:
Alpesh Patel, Anindita Singhal, Asha Hari, Geeta Kana,
Hansa Naran, Ishvar Rambhai, Janti Patel, Jayden Ravji,
Kanu Makan, Karuna Makan, Mahesh Ravji, Mona Bhana,
Nimesh Bhula, Vijay Bhana, Yogesh Hari
Franklin Indian Cultural Club (FICC) – Five Years of Togetherness
The Franklin Indian Cultural Club (FICC), founded and led by Arshdeep Kaur, completed five years of nurturing local talent and bringing families together through cultural events, workshops, and youth performances.
Founder: Arshdeep Kaur
Core Members: Simran Kaur Singh, Pooja Banga, Simran Kaur, Simran Singh
“Franklin Indian Cultural Club ki toh main hi hu,” Arshdeep said with a smile, expressing pride in the community’s growth and partnership with PIA for this year’s Diwali celebrations.
A dazzling finale
The festival closed with fireworks between 9 PM and 9.30 PM, lighting the Pukekohe sky and wrapping the evening in color and joy.
WebfitNews.com was proud to be an official media partner, capturing the color, rhythm, and togetherness of Pukekohe Diwali 2025.
