CATNZ's Pan Asian New Year Debuts In Auckland

Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust and Communities Action Trust (CATNZ) celebrated the Pan Asian New Year 2024 on April 21 in Auckland, marking the commencement of the Solar New Year across diverse South Asian and Southeast Asian cultures worldwide.

Jeet Suchdev, Chairperson of Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust, told The Indian Weekender that, after four successful years at Parliament, CATNZ expanded the Pan Asian event to Auckland due to an overwhelming response from the community. This expansion not only provided an opportunity for more people to participate but also highlighted the growing interest and appreciation for the cultural richness of these communities in Auckland.

The event aimed to unite and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of various South Asian and Southeast Asian communities, including Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Nepal, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand. Through vibrant cultural displays and performances, attendees were immersed in the sights, sounds, and flavours of these diverse cultures.

The celebration promised an extraordinary showcase of the rich and diverse traditions, costumes, music, and dances of these communities. Attendees had the opportunity to savour the delicious and diverse Asian cuisines that are integral to these cultures. Cultural exhibits depicted how these communities celebrate the New Year in their homes, highlighting both the similarities and differences that make each culture unique. The overarching focus of the event was to promote unity and celebrate diversity, fostering a sense of community among attendees.

CATNZ invited organisations and their members to join them on April 21, 2024, and also requested cultural performances during the event, further enhancing the immersive experience for all participants.

One guest commented on the rich tapestry of various cultures portrayed with lavish costumes and superb choreography, showcasing the cultural heritage of the various Indian states and other Southeastern countries. The evening also served as an opportunity to mix and mingle with people who attendees would not have had the chance to get to know otherwise, exchanging pleasantries and experiences, and forging new connections that transcend cultural boundaries.

Overall, the Pan Asian New Year celebration was not just a festival but a testament to the vibrant and diverse communities that call Auckland home. It was a celebration of unity in diversity, bringing together people from different backgrounds to celebrate and appreciate the richness of Asian cultures. Through events like these, CATNZ continues to promote cultural understanding and harmony, fostering a more inclusive and connected society for all.