Disha NZ and the Sakhi team, in partnership with the Indian Consulate in Auckland, hosted the Aotearoa to India cultural showcase on 30 November at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre. The event brought together hundreds of attendees from across the region for a full day of performances, exhibitions, tourism promotion, and community engagement.
The celebration highlighted the cultural richness and diversity of five Indian states—Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Kerala, and Punjab. Each state presented dedicated stalls featuring traditional crafts, tourism information, and regional specialities. Rajasthan showcased pottery and handicrafts, Kerala highlighted Ayurveda and spice culture, and Himachal Pradesh brought live cultural elements, while Gujarat and Punjab added colour, music, and festive flair.
The programme featured a series of classical and folk-dance performances, including Kathak, Bharatanatyam, and regional folk styles. A multicultural fashion show, representing traditional attire from different Indian states, drew significant appreciation from the audience and emerged as one of the event’s standout segments. DISHA NZ spokesperson said they are thankful to all the performers and the Fashion show participants for their support.
A panel discussion on tourism and cultural collaboration between Aotearoa and India added a thoughtful dimension to the event. Moderated by Vishal Rishi, the session included insights from industry experts Sunny Kaushal, Sudhir Jhunjhunwala, and Hayma Malini. Speakers discussed India’s growing tourism appeal and the importance of strengthening cultural connections between the two countries.
Food was another major highlight, with stalls offering regional dishes, snacks, and sweets. A Punjabi display curated by Shivani Arora drew steady queues throughout the day, contributing to the festive atmosphere.
Organisers acknowledged the efforts of a large team of volunteers who supported logistics, decoration, stall coordination, safety planning, photography, and programme management. Their contributions ensured the event ran smoothly and maintained high community engagement throughout the day.
The presence and support of Consul General Dr. M.M. Sethi and his wife Mrs Swagatika Mohanty added further significance to the occasion. Organisers expressed their gratitude for his involvement and for the Consulate’s support in facilitating the collaboration.
The ‘Aotearoa to India’ event concluded with a strong message of unity, cultural pride, and community spirit. Organisers from Disha NZ, Sakhi, and the Indian Consulate indicated plans for continued partnerships and future cultural initiatives aimed at strengthening connections between Aotearoa and India.-TIN Bureau