The Uttarakhand Association of New Zealand proudly celebrated the Harela Festival 2024, a vibrant event that highlighted the rich cultural heritage of Uttarakhand and the broader Southeast Asian diaspora. Held in the heart of Auckland, the festival successfully brought together communities from across the region, exemplifying a spirit of unity and cultural diversity.
The event was honoured by the presence of several distinguished guests, including Dr. Paramjeet Parmar, MP from ACT, and Helen White, MP from the Labour Party. In her speech, Dr. Parmar underscored the importance of festivals like Harela in preserving cultural traditions and fostering mutual respect among diverse communities. She emphasized how suc

h celebrations contribute to the social fabric by bringing people together and promoting understanding and harmony among different cultural groups.
Helen White echoed these sentiments, praising the efforts of the Uttarakhand Association in organizing such a meaningful event. She highlighted the role of cultural festivals in enriching the multicultural landscape of New Zealand and encouraged more such initiatives to promote inclusivity and diversity.
The festival offered a variety of traditional performances that enthralled the audience. Folk dances, music, and culinary delights provided attendees with an immersiveexperience of Uttarakhand’s cultural richness. Traditional dances like the Chholiya and Pandav Nritya captivated the crowd with their energetic and colorful displays. Musical performances featuring instruments like the Dhol and Tabla resonated with the rhythms of Uttarakhand, transporting everyone to the Himalayan state.
Chetan Joshi, JP, President of the Uttarakhand Association of New Zealand, expressed his delight at the event’s success. He remarked on the vibrant showcase of Uttarakhand’s heritage and the enthusiastic participation from the community. Joshi emphasized the association’s commitment to promoting cultural awareness and preserving traditions for future generations.
The representation of the Southeast Asian diaspora was particularly noteworthy, with participants from various countries adding to the vibrant mosaic of cultural expressions. Attendees from India, Nepal, Bhutan, and other Southeast Asian nations contributed their unique traditions, making the festival a truly inclusive event. The culinary section was a major highlight, with food stalls offering a variety of traditional dishes from Uttarakhand and other Southeast Asian regions. The aromas of freshly prepared Aloo Ke Gutke, Kafuli, and other delicacies filled the air, tantalizing the taste buds of festivalgoers. This gastronomic journey was a delightful experience, allowing attendees to savor the flavors of Uttarakhand.
The Uttarakhand Association of New Zealand extended its heartfelt gratitude to all attendees, performers, and volunteers whose efforts made the event a resounding success. The association reaffirmed its commitment to continuing such initiatives that celebrate cultural diversity and strengthen community ties. They expressed hope that the Harela Festival would inspire other cultural organizations to organize similar events, promoting unity and understanding in New Zealand’s multicultural society.
-TIN Bureau