The retailers in Papatoetoe organised a Maa Bhagwati ka Jagran (all-night vigil, songs and dance in honour of a deity and puja), which saw the massive presence of community members.
The devotional night took place at Temple of Love (204, Great South Road Papatoetoe) on Saturday (August 13).
The Jagran was organised by the Mata Jagran Committee, which comprised retailers in Papatoetoe and was the first event by the committee. The Jagran, including the singing of devotional songs and religious ceremonies, was done by the kirtan mandal of Mata Durga Temple, Onslow Avenue, Papatoetoe.
Giving details about the initiative, Jagjeet Singh Sidhu, one of the committee members and well known immigration advisor in Papatoetoe, said, “The idea initially introduced by Rajesh Goel of Aroma Fashions. The purpose of the event was to get together and do something for local business and take blessings from Mata Rani. The event was very successful as around 2000 people attended it. There were about 250 people till morning. It was overwhelming to see the dedication and enthusiasm of our Kiwi Indian community at the Jagran.”
Following the success of this Jagran, the committee plans to have such a Jagran event annually. Narinder Singla, Justice of the Peace and another main person behind the initiative, said, “The number of people who turned up for the Jagran was much more than we expected. It was heartening to have such immense support from the community. We have decided to organise such Jagrans at least annually in the future to bring all cultures and religions together.”
Interestingly, the langar for the Jagran was shuddh satvik (prepared sans onion and garlic) and was prepared at the Gurudwara Sri Dasmesh Darbar at Kolmar Road in Papatoetoe. Singla said, "Not many know that the langar for the Jagran was prepared at the Kolmar Road Sikh temple, and they even provided most of the groceries for it. My heart fills with pride at such a display of secularism.”
Shivani Arora from Shivani Restaurant supported the event, Gurmeet Singh from Sparkle Jewellers offered his hall at 204 Great South Road, Papatoetoe (Temple of Love).
Even the devotees who attended the event felt that more such community devotional events should be organised to keep the Kiwi Indians feel more connected. Pooja Sharma, a resident of Papatoetoe, said, “I felt great to be part of the Jagran and to get the blessing of the Mata rani. I hope more such jagrans take place as it will help our Kiwi Indian community stay connected.”
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