first-ever community Ganesh Visarjan on Sunday, 31 August 2025, from 2.45 pm to 5.00 pm, marking the conclusion of the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.
Ganesh Chaturthi, one of the most cherished Hindu festivals, honours Lord Ganesha – the remover of obstacles and the bringer of wisdom, prosperity, and new beginnings.
The community event will bring together families, children, and elders for prayers, bhajans, and cultural performances, creating a vibrant atmosphere of faith, unity, and joy.
Traditionally in Rotorua, Ganesh Chaturthi has been celebrated in individual homes with small gatherings for the Visarjan (immersion) ceremony. With the local Hindu community steadily growing, members requested a collective celebration at the Hindu Heritage Centre.
In line with both tradition and environmental responsibility, only eco-friendly clay idols of Lord Ganesha will be used.
“This celebration is very special for us as youth. It gives us an opportunity not only to express our devotion but also to connect with our heritage and share it with the wider Rotorua community,” said Komal Sahani, coordinator of the programme. “As part of the Visarjan ceremony, the clay idol of Lord Ganesha will be respectfully immersed in water, symbolising the cycle of creation and dissolution and reminding devotees of life’s impermanence. We are also committed to protecting the environment by using natural, biodegradable clay idols.”
Celebrating One Year of Hindu Scripture Classes
Before the Visarjan ceremony, the Hindu Council of New Zealand will celebrate the successful completion of one year of weekly Hindu Scripture Classes, from 1.00 pm to 1.20 pm.
Led by volunteer teacher Ishwari Vaidya, the classes have introduced children to Vedic shlokas, mantras, and their meanings, alongside storytelling, chanting, and discussions on applying spiritual teachings in everyday life.
The anniversary programme will feature children reciting shlokas and mantras, sharing reflections on their learning, and expressing gratitude to their teachers and families.
“The scripture classes are not only about memorising verses,” said Ishwari Vaidya. “They help our children understand universal values and strengthen their cultural identity.”
Looking ahead, the Hindu Council of New Zealand plans to expand the programme with more interactive workshops and volunteer teachers. Plans are also underway to connect with experts in Australia to learn how Hindu Scripture classes are conducted in Australian schools.
Children’s Ganesh Idol-Making Workshop
From 1.20 pm to 2.45 pm, the Hindu Heritage Centre will host a Ganesh Idol-Making Workshop for children, led by Ishwari Vaidya and supported by volunteer parents. Children from ages 3 to 18 years will create their own eco-friendly Ganesh idols using natural clay, while learning about the cultural and spiritual significance of Lord Ganesha.
Register for Children’s Ganesh Idol-Making Workshop using the link : https://tinyurl.com/HHCGanesh
“This hands-on activity not only connects children with their heritage but also instils values of sustainability and environmental care,” said Dr Guna Magesan, President of the Hindu Council of New Zealand. “We thank the Rotorua Civic Arts Trust for their financial support in conducting workshops at the Hindu Heritage Centre.”
Children will take home the clay idols they create, giving them a personal and meaningful connection to the festival.
Strengthening Culture, Faith, and Community
The Hindu Youth of New Zealand warmly invite people of all ages and backgrounds to attend, experience the rich traditions of Ganesh Chaturthi, and celebrate Rotorua’s cultural diversity.
Through these three interconnected events – the Ganesh Visarjan, the Scripture Class Anniversary, and the Children’s Idol-Making Workshop – the Hindu Heritage Centre continues to foster spiritual growth, community bonds, and environmental responsibility.
The celebrations will conclude with offerings, collective prayers for peace and prosperity, and the sharing of prasad (blessed food) with the community.
For media inquiries or interview requests, please contact:
Prof Guna Magesan
President, Hindu Council of New Zealand
021 0345621
[email protected]