A number of communities marked the much awaited Vinayaka Chaturthi starting from Friday, August 25.
More than 250 community members attended the celebrations hosted by the Telugu Association of New Zealand at Fickling Centre in Three Kings on Friday.
The celebration started with bringing the Ganesh idol into the hall, which is an integral part of the celebrations. The puja started at 8:30 p.m. and continued for approximately three hours.
As a customary practice sweets and flowers were placed at the feet of the idol and the devotees chanted hymns and songs in praise of Lord Ganesh. The prayer was conducted by distinguished community member Ms Lakshmi who has been leading the prayers at such big occasions.
As is the practice in Hyderabad in India, the laddu (sweet) prepared for this auspicious occasion is auctioned, and it was bought by a community member for $1501.
Leaders from the Indian community, members of parliament and candidates for the upcoming elections from different political parties also attended the event.
The event concluded with a special dinner for every devotee prepared by the members of the Telugu community.