Diwali, the celebrations continue

For Hamilton, the Diwali function by Indian Cultural Society has become an eagerly anticipated annual event.

People from all over the country flock to the Founders Theatre on fun-filled day of music, dance, food and culture. The annual event offers a unique opportunity to celebrate and explore India’s diverse culture and traditions, including authentic regional food, arts, and entertainment.

An extensive cultural programme was prepared by the organisers for the October 25 function.

For the first time in Hamilton, the secretary and chief organizer Roy Vellara proved that an Indian function could start and finish ion time. At sharp 6.50pm, as advertised, the curtain lifted for the first programme and the curtain was down at sharp 9.30pm.

The programme, consisting of 28 items that was arranged two months earlier, went on serially without changing or cancelling even one item – astonishing many community leaders who were present at the theatre. A Kiwi view of the Diwali narrated in the documentary gave western audience an elaborated picture about the legend of Diwali and Indian hospitality as well.

The opening scene itself was different from the 19 years history of Indian Cultural Society and everyone liked the change and advance thinking.

The welcome speech was not just “welcome”, but a very humorous one that cleared all questions about the Indian Cultural Society’s activities. Among the events were a dance performance and a concert of traditional Indian music. The audience enjoyed an intensive cultural programme consisting of classical and modern Indian live performances, as well as East-West fusion dance and music.

Eminent V4U Entertainments group from Auckland performed at the function and had the audience spellbound with “Tribute to Bollywood”. Starting the programme with a combined Indian and Maori dance “Welcome to NZ” by Monisha Dance Group stunned the spectators, participants brought alive the cultural heritage of India through their dances and songs.

Energy levels were high when the Bangra and Giddha stunned the spectators. A few classical dance items based on Kathak Rap, Bengali folk, Kuchipudi and Tamil folk enthralled the audience. “Moon Light” fusion performance by Monisha School of dance warmed up the stage, which was followed by Salam Bollywood and Rajasthani folk.

The Govan Dance by Tatiana and Bollywood dance by Generation Y- Priya & Group received the audience with a thunderous applause. The quality maintained in every item was immaculate and the audiences were anxiously waiting for the next item.

An audience of around 1200 people attended the function. All western participants were impressed by the quality hosting of the Indian Cultural Society Waikato Inc, great hospitality, and the fascinating intricacies of Indian culture and society.

Society president Harkrishen Kung said, “next year is the 20th anniversary of Indian Cultural Society and planning for a bigger event”.