The Kiwi Indian community celebrated the traditional festival of Annakut Mahotsav in Papatoetoe on October 30.
The event was organised by the Shree Swaminarayan Temple and attended by more than 800 devotees who gathered to welcome the Hindu New Year.
According to the Swaminarayan devotees, Annakut marks the victory of Lord Krishna over Lord Indra, where Lord Krishna saved the people of Gokul from the wrath of Lord Indra with the help of Govardhan Parvat. On this day, devotees prepare various dishes and offer them to Lord Krishna and other deities to express their thanks and gratitude to the almighty for bestowing his blessings.
The food offered to the deities is prepared by the devotees and served to those attending the ceremony as prasad.
The food, which was more than 400 items, was also prepared by volunteers at the temple.
Former MP Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, President of the Northern Region of the New Zealand Credit & Finance Institute (NZCFI) Ragavan Rengachariar, and other community leaders were in attendance at the event.
Temple trustee Ranjna Patel said: "We do not have formal invitations for religious events as they are open to all. So it was all the more heart-warming to see the community join in such large numbers for the celebration. Even the heavy rain could not dampen the festive spirit.”
Said Pooja Rampal, a devotee:" For Indian communities in NZ, it is a time to share our culture, food and lights and pray for a healthy and lucky New Year. I felt blessed to be able to come here and take part in the celebrations."
Tusharbhai, the temple priest, showered his blessings on all those present on the occasion and greeted them on the New Year.
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