The Hindu Heritage Centre Rotorua is thrilled to announce the first Rotorua Ethnic Market, a vibrant and inclusive event that brings together a diverse array of ethnic communities to showcase and sell their unique products. This celebration will take place on Sunday, 21 July 2024, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Sunday, 21 July is also Guru Purnima, a Dharmic festival dedicated to honouring spiritual and academic teachers. We will celebrate from 10:00 am to 10:30 am by honouring selected teachers from schools around the Hindu Heritage Centre Rotorua. Traditionally observed in India, Nepal, and Bhutan by Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists, Guru Purnima commemorates the importance of the ‘Guru’ in one’s life. On this day, disciples offer Puja or pay respect to their Gurus, who enlighten them with knowledge and teachings. This is the first time the Guru Purnima festival is being celebrated with the public in Rotorua.
The Hindu Heritage Centre is collaborating with the Rotorua Multicultural Council to bring the first Ethnic Market to Rotorua. The Rotorua Ethnic Market is a wonderful opportunity for people from all backgrounds to come together and appreciate the rich cultural tapestry that makes our community unique. Vendors from various ethnic communities will display and sell an exciting variety of goods, including traditional crafts, clothing, jewellery, artwork, home decor, and delicious culinary delights. In the first month, we request vendors from the Asian continent. Next month, we could have Africa or South America.
“I like the idea of this event. We no longer have the Sunday Farmers Market at Te Manawa in the city and a Sunday market will not compete with the Saturday Kuirau Park Market. Having an indoor venue has many advantages, particularly in winter,” said Dr Margriet Theron, President of Rotorua Multicultural Council.
Event highlights:
• Guru Purnima celebrations: Selected teachers from Hindu Heritage Centre neighbourhood will be honoured by their students. There may be some traditional music, dance, and other cultural expressions to celebrate Guru Purnima.
• Diverse vendors: About 10 to 12 vendors representing cultures from Asia will be participating, offering a wide range of unique and high-quality products.
• Food stalls: Two or three food stalls will be serving authentic vegan/vegetarian ethnic cuisines that promise to tantalise your taste buds.
“The Rotorua Ethnic Market at the Hindu Heritage Centre is more than just a market; it’s a celebration of our community’s diversity and an opportunity for cultural exchange,” said Dr Guna Magesan, Event Coordinator. “We invite everyone to join us for a day of shopping, entertainment, and community spirit.”
“Similarly, Guru Purnima is celebrated for the first time in public in Rotorua. Through this festival, we share our Dharmic tradition with the New Zealanders,” he added.
Admission is free and open to the public. This event is a perfect family outing where you can explore different cultures, experience a new Dharmic tradition, support local artisans and vegetarian cuisine, and enjoy a day of festive activities.
Join us at the Ethnic Market at Hindu Heritage Centre and celebrate the beautiful diversity that enriches our community!
About the Hindu Heritage Centre Rotorua:
The Hindu Heritage Centre is devoted to preserving, promoting, and celebrating Hindu heritage, fostering cultural enrichment, and spiritual nourishment within the community. To achieve this, the Centre plans to host regular classes in Rangoli and Mehndi, yoga sessions, traditional music and dance classes; organise educational programmes, workshops, and seminars to deepen understanding of Hindu traditions and practices; celebrate festivals, host events, showcase music a
nd dance performances, and curate exhibitions that highlight the richness of Hindu culture. Through these efforts, we aim to actively engage and enrich the vibrant community of Rotorua.
About the Rotorua Multicultural Council:
The Rotorua Multicultural Council (RMC) supports migrants and international students as they settle in Rotorua. RMC offers various opportunities for them to celebrate their cultures and to increase the local community’s understanding of the contributions these groups make to the Rotorua District. Additionally, RMC fosters relationships between Māori and migrants, helping migrants develop an understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
For more information about the Ethnic Market or to inquire about vendor opportunities, please contact: Dr Guna Magesan, Event Coordinator, Rotorua Ethnic Market
Hindu Heritage Centre, Phone: 021 0345621, Email: hindu.nz@gmail.com