The vibrant spirit of community and camaraderie was on full display on September 21st as the WE Women’s Era group hosted an exhilarating event, “Desi Pataakha,” at the Fickling Convention Centre. The WE group, led by the prominent community leader and renowned media personality Kashika Singh, boasts a dynamic core team including Shital Sangani, Junoo Sharma, Rashmi Jani, Suhas Patel, and Praneta Salwan, who ensured the event’s flawless execution.
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The creative concept, masterminded by Junoo Sharma and Shital Sangani, took weeks of preparation to bring to life. Eight competitive teams vied for the title in a unique festive relay, with challenges judged on pace, coordination, and task completion. The tasks ranged from making beaded necklaces, segregating dry fruits, and crafting ladoos, to designing Rangoli and decorating diyas. A “tokri” served as the relay baton, passed between teammates in the semi-final round.
With over 1,400 women in the group, the event attracted participants and spectators alike, creating an afternoon filled with joy, laughter, and a fantastic display of athleticism. The eight teams, each with five members, showcased their competitive spirit and cultural pride. The event promoted fitness, teamwork, and a celebration of Auckland’s diverse women’s heritage. Participants wore colourful outfits representing their team colours, adding a festive flair to the day. The relay featured fun and engaging tasks that encouraged creativity and collaboration, blending cultural elements with sport and leaving everyone in high spirits.
“Desi Pataakha” was more than just a relay; it was a celebration of unity among women from various backgrounds, emphasizing their strengths and resilience. The WE Women’s Era group, dedicated to empowering women and fostering a supportive community, truly demonstrated their mission with this event. The excitement reached its peak during the finale, which featured a surprising twist. As the teams completed tasks, a whistle would blow, forcing participants to leave their activity halfway for a teammate to finish. The final challenge involved dressing one team member in a “Desi Pataakha” avatar using props. Team White, led by Barkha Mehta, emerged victorious, winning a $250 cash prize, while Team Blue, led by Pearl Todywala, were the runners-up, receiving hampers.
In addition to the relay, the event offered two popular workshops before the competition began. The first was a Garba workshop led by the talented Sonal Bhavsar, teaching the core steps of the folk dance. This was followed by a Saree Draping workshop, led by the expert Suhas Patel, who showcased different saree draping styles on volunteer models. The event also featured shopping stalls and traditional delicacies, which kept attendees entertained and well-fed while cheering for their favourite teams. The WE group made sure to honour their sponsors and volunteers, whose contributions were integral to the event’s success.
The “Desi Pataakha” event brought stories, laughter, and unforgettable moments, reinforcing the bonds of friendship and solidarity. Its success highlighted the power of community and the joy that comes from shared experiences. The WE Women’s Era group looks forward to hosting more such events, continuing to inspire and uplift women across Auckland. To stay updated on future events and initiatives, follow the WE Women’s Era group on social media. -TIN Bureau