Phulkaaris, clinking anklets, chiming bangles and all that happy banter: festivities know no geographical boundaries. It was a transplantation of Punjab in all its cultural finery in our very own Vodafone events centre in Auckland, with the Punjabi Cultural Association NZ’s annual Baisakhi gala. With the Minister for Ethnic Affairs, Hon. Judith Collins in attendance, the association’s very own tiny tots began the evening with the traditional Kirtan prayer. The festival of Harvest and the resultant joy for the farmer was aptly displayed in the energetic and adorable Gidda and Bhangra performed by the young ones, who completely stole the show! A stupendous splash of colour and energy, it was certainly an evening that brightened up the damp night outside.
“These events not only help our children gain confidence but also help them connect with our cultural heritage”, said Aman, a mother and member of the association, while deftly pinning her daughter’s Phulkaari Dupatta over her long braided hair. Aman’s daughter was one of the many children who took part in the event, performing traditional dances, to celebrate the festival of harvest. Having migrated from India 5 years back, Aman is one of the many Punjabis who have now made New Zealand their home. But events like these are not and should not be limited to a particular community alone. It is with events like these that the immigrant community can feel as one, reminisce of home and stay connected with the subcontinent’s rich luxurious and royal culture of tradition and custom.
Gurpreet, the Cultural Secretary of the Association, who has been with the association for over 8 years now, mentions that celebrations like these are maintained as an annual tradition for the association giving its members and their offspring a chance to connect with their roots. Amidst welcoming the VIPs and checking on the arrangements over her walkie talkie, the traditionally dressed Gurpreet could easily have been overseeing an event in any Indian city, and yet, for a second one had to remind one’s self that one was geographically miles away from home. When I first came to New Zealand, I expected lonesome Diwalis with just me, my partner and a solitary candle, but was I wrong! The Indian community, transcending all its different variations is a strong force to reckon with in modern day Auckland. If one looks hard enough there is no facet of our beloved Indian heritage one cannot find here. “The face of Auckland has changed and the Indian community has significantly grown since I first stepped on board” Said Rishi Kochhar, who originally came from India in 2002,while sipping on some hot masala tea arranged for by the association (and might I add a welcome sight given the slight chill in the evening!).
The very sight of traditionally dressed, young Kiwi born Indian children, enjoying the evening and partaking in it with full zest and vigour and their elders looking on with encouraging and hopeful eyes, was a delight to watch. Kudos to the association and those like it, for keeping alive a piece of us!