The Auckland Indian Association’s women’s wing, Mahila Samaj, organised a Ghunghra Making Competition at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre on Saturday, 3rd September 2022. For the uninitiated, Ghungra, which is also known as Karanji and Gujia, is a popular Gujarati Sweet prepared during festivals like Holi and Diwali.
Formed in 1971, the 50-year-old group has been relentlessly working toward fostering a network of support and friendship among the ladies of the community. Over the decades, it has emerged as a thriving network of support and camaraderie among women of the Kiwi-Indian community.
Talking about the event, AIAI Mahila Samaj President Nanette Nathoo says, "We always plan events where like-minded women can come together and have a great time while they bond with each other. And when it comes to women, what better way to bond than over cooking? Since the festive season is going on and Diwali is just a month away, we thought of doing a Ghungra-making competition over our committee meeting.”
The event saw a fantastic turnout of people from all age groups – seniors to middle age and even young ones. “It was an awesome feeling to see everyone having a great time. There was so much fun, and the room was full of energy,” says Nathoo.
AIAI new Catering Chair Rameshbhai Bhagwan and Radha Krishna Mandir Auckland Pandit Dr Devram K Raval, too, joined in showing their Ghughra-making skills.
The competition had more than 30 contestants and was judged by Chef Jayshreeben with Gayatriben assisting her.
The four winners of the event were Vanitaben, Karunaben, Lataben, and the ten-year-old Amisha. Interestingly, Amisha tried her hand for the first time in Ghunghra at this event.
One of the winners Vanitaben Patel, who is also the Vice President of Mahila Samaj, couldn’t contain her excitement. “It was such a successful event, and the room was buzzing. I am very passionate about cooking. I have been cooking since I was ten years old. Being a Gujarati, I love Ghungra – both eating and making. That is what inspired me to take part in the competition. I was thrilled when I was announced as the winner. It was like icing on the cake.”