In a first-of-its-kind indigenous cultural interaction, a Maori kapa haka delegation from Aotearoa, New Zealand, performed the haka at the Medaram Sammakka-Saralamma shrine in Mulugu district. Reported by P. Laxmi Reddy from The Hindu.
The performance took place alongside traditional presentations by local Koya tribal cultural teams, who were engaged in their customary rituals and dances.
The historic event coincided with the 77th Republic Day celebrations, lending deep symbolic significance to the occasion.
Despite the geographical distance between the two nations, the performance underscored shared indigenous values of resilience, honour and ancestral pride.
Kapa haka, a traditional Maori ceremonial group performance, is a powerful sequence of rhythmic chants and coordinated
movements that express identity, unity and cultural heritage.
According to the organisers, it is typically performed during occasions of welcome, farewell, battle, celebration and protest, and is regarded as a living embodiment of the Maori spirit.
Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Minister Danasari Anasuya Seethakka, who belongs to the Koya tribal community, joined the Maori performers during the haka, dancing alongside them and drawing applause from the assembled devotees.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister observed that tribal cultures transcend national boundaries and linguistic barriers.
“Tribals across the world live in harmony with forests and nature.
Our lifestyles, beliefs and philosophies reflect a shared worldview,” she said, emphasising the universality of indigenous traditions.
Following the cultural performance, the Maori delegation was taken for darshan of the tribal deities at the shrine. Minister Seethakka personally explained the history, mythology and significance of the Sammakka-Saralamma Jatara, which commemorates tribal resistance, ecological reverence and social justice.
As a mark of mutual respect, she presented the delegation with traditional bangaram (jaggery) offerings, symbolising spiritual reciprocity.
Charu Das, Founder and Director of the CD Foundation, said the unprecedented exchange was facilitated with the support of State Tribal Welfare Minister Adluri Laxman Kumar, Tourism and Culture Minister Jupally Krishna Rao, and diplomatic assistance from the High Commission of India in Wellington and the Consulate General of India in Auckland.
She added that such initiatives are organised to promote trade and cultural collaboration with partner countries in association with respective embassies.
District Collector T. S. Divakara, Superintendent of Police Sudhir R. Kekan, and other senior officials were present at the event.
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