Food, shopping & performances: Auckland’s Rajasthani community celebrates Hariyali Teej Mela

The Rajasthan Association Charitable Trust NZ (RACTNZ) held its annual Hariyali Teej Mela at Auckland’s Mahatma Gandhi Centre on Saturday, August 8, bringing together members of the Rajasthani and wider Indian community for an evening of cultural performances, traditional food and community activities.

The event featured traditional Rajasthani dress, folk music, dance performances and stalls offering food, clothing, jewellery and handicrafts.

The venue was a vibrant showcase of Rajasthani culture, with attendees dressed in colourful traditional attire and folk music and performances creating a festive atmosphere for families and people of all ages.

A key highlight of the Mela was its cultural programme, which showcased the talents of the local community. Children, women and other community members took to the stage to present traditional Rajasthani dances and musical performances, drawing applause from the audience.

The performances offered a glimpse into Rajasthan’s rich folk heritage while highlighting the efforts of the community to preserve and pass on its traditions in New Zealand.

Food also played a major part in the celebrations, with guests able to enjoy a selection of authentic Rajasthani dishes and sweets.

Shopping stalls and community vendors added to the experience, offering traditional clothing, jewellery, handicrafts and other products while providing an opportunity to support local businesses and artisans.

For RACTNZ, the annual event is about more than celebration. The charitable trust works to preserve and promote Rajasthan’s cultural heritage while strengthening connections within the Indian community and encouraging younger generations to remain connected to their roots.

RACTNZ Chairperson Reema Sharma and Secretary Nirmala Agrawal expressed their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the event, including committee members, volunteers, performers and their families, sponsors, stallholders, supporters and members of the wider community.

They said festivals such as Hariyali Teej provide an important opportunity not only to celebrate but also to keep cultural traditions alive and introduce them to younger generations.

They also acknowledged the strong community participation and support that made this year’s Mela particularly meaningful.

Behind the scenes, a large team of volunteers contributed to the smooth running of the event, with members involved in planning, registrations, stage management, hospitality, social media and event-day coordination.

The association thanked all sponsors, stallholders, performers, volunteers, members and attendees for helping make the 2026 Hariyali Teej Mela a memorable celebration of Rajasthan in New Zealand.

RACTNZ said it will continue working to promote and preserve Rajasthani culture while creating further opportunities for the community to come together and celebrate throughout the year.