The Hindu Heritage Centre at 225 Malfroy Road, Rotorua, is set to host a significant and vibrant celebration on Wednesday, 22 January 2025, uniting the community through two meaningful events.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Her Excellency Ms. Neeta Bhushan, High Commissioner of India to New Zealand, and Her Worship Tania Tapsell, the Mayor of Rotorua, will jointly inaugurate a Community Garden and Sustainability Initiative, funded by a generous $12,000 grant from Rotorua Lakes Council’s Community Matching Fund.
This initiative includes the establishment of at least five raised garden beds and a rainwater harvesting system featuring a water tank to collect rainwater from the community hall roof. It will not only provide a space for growing fresh produce but also serve as an educational hub for sustainable gardening practices, fostering environmental stewardship and stronger community bonds.
Dr Guna Magesan, President of the Hindu Council of New Zealand, expressed gratitude:
“We are deeply thankful to the Rotorua Lakes Council for their unwavering support of community-focused projects. This initiative will bring together volunteers from Hindu and ethnic communities, as well as the wider Rotorua public, to create a meaningful and sustainable space that benefits all.”
Dr Julia Anne, who manages the community garden, encouraged community participation in the upcoming working bee to help establish the garden:
“This project reflects our collective commitment to environmental care and the spirit of collaboration.”
Marking the First Anniversary of Shri Ram Mandir’s Pran Pratishtha
Following the garden launch, the Hindu Heritage Centre will host a Community Devotional Gathering to commemorate the first anniversary of the Pran Pratishtha of Shri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. This sacred event is being organised in association with the Hindu Organisations, Temples, and Associations (HOTA) Forum NZ.
The event will honour the profound cultural, spiritual, and religious significance of the Shri Ram Mandir, a symbol of Bhagwan Ram’s timeless ideals and values.
Dr Magesan, who had the honour of representing New Zealand at the historic inauguration of Shri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya last year, reflected:
“Being one of only 7,000 invitees among 1.4 billion Hindus worldwide was an incredible privilege and a true blessing so it feels appropriate to mark the first anniversary with such an event and share the experience.”
Program Highlights
- Launch of Community Garden: 6:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Community Prayer Gathering: 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm
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- Lighting of the
- lamp
- Brief yoga session by Nilamani Wright
- Collective chanting of “Shri Rām Jai Rām Jai Jai Rām” 108 times
- Bhajans, kirtans, and ārtis
- Short speech by Her Excellency Ms. Neeta Bhushan
- Vote of Thanks
- Lighting of Diyas: 7:45 pm – 8:00 pm
- Participants are encouraged to bring an earthen lamp to light together.
Event Details:
- Date: Wednesday, 22 January 2025
- Venue: 225 Malfroy Road, Rotorua
About HOTA Forum NZ
HOTA Forum NZ unites over 50 Hindu organizations, temples, and associations across New Zealand, fostering collaboration and progress while emphasizing the Hindu philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (“The world is one family”).
A Call to the Community
The Hindu Heritage Centre warmly invites everyone to join this day of celebration, learning, and shared purpose.
“It is through collective effort and unity that we create lasting impacts for generations to come,” Dr. Magesan concluded.
For media inquiries or interview requests, please contact:
Prof Guna Magesan
President, Hindu Council of New Zealand
021 0345621
hindu.nz@gmail.com