In response to the long-standing demand of the Punjabi community in Canterbury, Christchurch will host its first-ever teeyan da mela – also known as teej festival in some northern Indian states – on Saturday, July 8. “Especially significant in the Punjabi culture, teeyan da mela is a celebration of flourishing and blissful married life, where women enjoy dressing up, shopping and performing the giddha dance,” said Nitika Bullar, who along with her husband Romy Bullar, and one Baljeet Bains, is organising the event. “There will be food and accessories stalls, mehendi painting, games for children, and several dances including bhangra, giddha, and bollywood numbers. We will also have a competition for women, where they will be judged on their Punjabi attire and knowledge of the Punjabi culture,” added Ms Bullar, who moved to Christchurch in 2010. The event is ladies only, and women from all cultures are welcome to attend, she said.