From vibrant celebrations and traditional treats to a growing range of Indian groceries, supermarket owner Harry Chawla is creating a little taste of home while bringing Auckland’s diverse community closer together.
For Harry Chawla, Diwali is more than a festival of lights. It is the warmth of family, the joy of shared traditions and the feeling of belonging, a reminder that home is not just a place, but the people and memories we carry with us.
At PAK’nSAVE Mount Albert, where Harry has been the owner-operator since June 2017, these values come alive every year as the supermarket transforms into a colourful celebration of Indian culture, bringing together staff and customers from different backgrounds.
PAK’nSAVE Mt Albert owner Harry Chawla and Sheetol Chawla
From traditional outfits and festive decorations to music, dancing, and shared food, Diwali has become a much-loved tradition at the store, reflecting Mount Albert's multicultural spirit.
Having moved from India to New Zealand in 2000, Harry understands the importance of staying connected to one’s roots while building a life in a new country. For him, the festival is an opportunity to share that connection with the people around him.
“For me, Diwali is about togetherness, happiness and new beginnings,” says Harry.
“When I see our team dressed in traditional clothing, sharing food, dancing and celebrating together, it genuinely feels like I have another family here. What makes it even more special is seeing people from different cultures and backgrounds joining in.
“That’s the beauty of Mount Albert. We don’t just live alongside different cultures; we embrace them, learn from them and celebrate them together.”
Bringing the flavours of India closer to home
While the lights, music and festivities capture the spirit of Diwali, food offers another powerful way to celebrate culture and keep traditions alive.
Recognising the needs of Mount Albert’s growing Indian and South Asian community, Harry has expanded the supermarket’s range of speciality Indian products from just 10 items to around 200. The growing selection also caters to Kiwi shoppers keen to explore Indian cuisine and experiment with new flavours.
The move reflects a wider appetite for international food at the store. Over the past year, international food sales have increased by around 21%, while Indian grocery sales have grown by approximately 26%.
From everyday essentials such as atta (flour), ghee, rice, lentils and spices to popular snacks including Kurkure and Little Hearts, the range caters to everything from daily family meals to festive cooking and entertaining.
For many Indian shoppers, finding familiar ingredients can bring back memories of home. For others, these products offer an opportunity to discover new tastes and cooking traditions.
“Food is such an important connection to culture, family and traditions,” Harry says.
“We want customers to find the products they grew up with and the ingredients they need for everyday meals, as well as the special foods they love to share during celebrations like Diwali.
“But it’s not just about serving our Indian customers. We’re seeing more Kiwi shoppers embrace different cuisines and flavours, so we’re continuing to grow our range and make these products accessible and affordable for everyone.”
A sweet taste of childhood
For Harry, the most treasured Diwali memories are often found in the smallest traditions, especially those shared around the family table.
One festive favourite that holds a special place in his heart is kaju katli, the classic Indian sweet made with cashews. More than just a Diwali delicacy, it brings back memories of childhood and the excitement of enjoying a treat that was not always within reach.
“Growing up, it was a real treat and something we couldn’t always afford. Now, I love sharing it with my own children. It’s a reminder of how food connects generations.”
Today, sharing the same sweet with his children gives Harry an opportunity to pass on a piece of his heritage while creating new memories of their own. It is a reminder that traditions do not have to remain in the past; they can grow and find new meaning with every generation.
Celebrating culture, creating connections
As Mount Albert continues to evolve, Harry hopes PAK’nSAVE Mount Albert will remain more than just a place to shop. He wants it to be a welcoming space where people can celebrate their identities, experience different cultures and discover familiar flavours that bring them closer to home.
Through its annual Diwali celebrations and expanding range of Indian groceries, the supermarket reflects how everyday community spaces can help build connections across cultures.
For Harry, the real magic of Diwali lies not only in the glow of the lights or the sweetness of festive treats, but in the people who come together to celebrate.
At PAK’nSAVE Mount Albert, that spirit of togetherness is something to savour year-round.
ISSUE
Leave a Comment