Following the resounding success of the 1st New Zealand Hindu Women Conference held in Wellington in September 2025, the Hindu Women Forum (HWF), a division of Hindu Council of New Zealand, continued its mission of celebrating cultural heritage and empowering women by observing Karva Chauth 2025 on Friday, 10 October 2025.
The festival was marked with great enthusiasm across major cities in New Zealand, bringing together women, families, and communities to honour this timeless tradition of love, devotion, and spiritual strength.
Karva Chauth is an ancient Hindu festival during which married women observe a fast from sunrise to moonrise, praying for the health, longevity, and well-being of their husbands. Beyond its ritual significance, the festival symbolises the strength of womanhood, the sanctity of relationships, and the enduring power of faith and togetherness.
Despite limited preparation time, HWF chapters across New Zealand either initiated or collaborated with local temples and community organisations to host memorable gatherings of varying sizes. Each city added its own local touch while maintaining the shared spirit of devotion and cultural unity.
In Auckland, the Hindu Women Forum organised a public celebration at Sri Radha Damodar Temple, Panmure, where Acharya Ajay Tiwari led the rituals and puja (prayers). The celebration was coordinated by Tanya Mehra, supported by Madhavi Vora and members of HWF Auckland. The event featured storytelling sessions on the significance of Karva Chauth, devotional music, and opportunities for intergenerational exchange.
“Karva Chauth is not only about fasting; it is about faith, commitment, and celebrating love in its purest form,” said Tanya Mehra, Coordinator of the Auckland event. “By observing this festival together in New Zealand, we honour our heritage and strengthen the bonds that unite our communities.”
“I was honoured to be part of the Hindu Women’s Forum NZ’s first Karva Chauth event. The experience reminded me of the incredible power of positivity and perseverance. The energy, support, and enthusiasm of all the women were truly uplifting. It was a day filled with tradition, love, and togetherness — and I look forward to many more meaningful collaborations,” added Madhavi Vora, Co-Coordinator of the event.
“Thank you for hosting such a wonderful Karva Chauth event filled with warmth, joy, and a true sense of togetherness. It was beautifully organised and made everyone feel at home. My friends and I thoroughly enjoyed it and are already looking forward to next year with more friends joining us,” shared Priya Jain, one of the participants.
“What an excellent Karva Chauth celebration! Everything — from the décor and mehndi to the pooja and music — was beautifully planned, creating a festive and heartwarming atmosphere. Truly appreciate all the efforts of the Hindu Women Forum (Auckland) team for making it so special,” said Aastha Bahl, another participant.
Similar celebrations were held in Hamilton, Hawke’s Bay, Palmerston North, Wellington and Christchurch, where HWF members joined existing temple festivities. In some places such as Christchurch and Rotorua, intimate gatherings also took place in homes and at the Hindu Heritage Centre, respectively.
“Over 100 devotees participated in the vibrant Karva Chauth celebration at the Balaji Temple in Wainuiomata, Wellington. The festival beautifully reflected the endurance and unity among women who gathered for the evening puja, shared stories, and eagerly awaited the moon’s first appearance. Though traditionally observed by women from the North, it was wonderful to see members from our South Indian community also joining in the celebration,” said Hema Sourirajan, Coordinator of the Wellington event.
“We had our Karva Chauth puja and celebration at the ISKCON Hare Krishna Temple in Christchurch. What began 27 years ago with just a few friends has now grown beautifully along with our community. This year, more than 300 women participated,” said Archna Tandon, the organiser in Christchurch.
The 2025 celebrations marked an important milestone in HWF’s growing cultural and spiritual outreach. The organisation envisions even greater participation in the coming years, inviting women of all ages, families, and community members to join in this meaningful celebration of devotion, tradition, and sisterhood.
HWF is now seeking women volunteers to help organise next year’s Karva Chauth events on a larger scale across Whangarei, Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Hawke’s Bay, Gisborne, Palmerston North, New Plymouth, Whanganui, Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch, Greymouth, Queenstown, Dunedin, and Invercargill. Those interested can email [email protected] to be connected with local coordinators.
Through these gatherings, HWF continues to nurture cultural identity, foster intergenerational connections, and create a sacred space for reflection and community solidarity — reaffirming the timeless values of Hindu culture in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The next HWF events include the 3rd Tongariro Alpine Crossing on Saturday, 15 November 2025, and the 2nd New Zealand Hindu Women Conference, to be held in Auckland in August 2026.
Media Contact:
Tanya Mehra (021 159 8016) or
Madhavi Vora (021 981 441)
Hindu Women Forum (HWF) – Auckland
[email protected]