To build something great and lasting, all it takes is a few like-minded individuals full of enthusiasm and passion who are willing to take the leap of faith. This is exactly what defines the first cultural event held under the banner of Bihar Jharkhand Sabha of Australia and New Zealand’s Auckland chapter.
The philosophy of an organization is inherent in the personalities and principles of its founding members, which was evident last Saturday, October 28.
In Auckland, it marked the beginning of a new era of celebrating the most traditional and pious festivals for a small community of expats, in the presence of Bhav Dhillon, Honorary Consul, High Commission of India, who graced this event at Anchorage Park Community House, Pakuranga.
To say the least, the objective of Sabha is to promote and preserve the culture, language, heritage, identity, tradition, and art of people from the sister states of Bihar and Jharkhand (Biharis)among the expat families from these states, thereby enriching the culture of New Zealand with the best of their traditional values and offerings.
Bihar is the 13th largest state in India with the highest proportion of young people of any Indian state and home to the Great Buddha (on whose teachings Buddhism was founded). This event will always have a special place for all the families eternally since the group congregated for the first time in New Zealand to celebrate the Chhath Puja (dedicated to the worship of the Sun god and his wife Usha), mainly celebrated by Biharis.
It was a matter of great pride for the Indian diaspora in New Zealand from Bihar and Jharkhand when they experienced the connection with their roots as they celebrated the traditional Vedic festival of Chhath in different cities like Auckland and Wellington. During the Chhath Puja (which starts four days after Diwali), devotees perform rituals to thank God for their existence and seek blessings from the Sun god. Environmentalists claim that this is the most eco-friendly Hindu festival.
The rituals of the festival are rigorous and are observed over a period of four days. Worshipers fast and abstain from drinking even a drop water for straight 36 hours. On the third day, they stand in water to offer prayers to the setting sun. The fast comes to an end after offerings prayers to rising sun on the fourth day. In Hinduism, it is believed that Sun heals many severe health conditions and ensures longevity, brings prosperity, progress and well-being. Mr Dhillon, the chief guest of the event, highlighted the fact that this is a way connects to the Maori beliefs of worshipping nature and its elements.
The cultural festival was held in Pakuranga where enthusiastic members of the community came together from various parts of Auckland and Hamilton, to be a part of this vivid celebration.
The event was kicked off by a welcome speech by Arati Prasad, Secretary (Culture) followed by chanting of spiritual mantras by Sanjeev Prasad, while the chief guest Mr Dhillon lit the lamp to inaugurate the function alongside Sabha President, Birendra Mishra. Mr Dhillon addressed the group expressing his joy to be a part of this event. He connected with the group walking down memory lane while he was young and his participation in Chhath Puja back in India. It was a moment of pride for him to see the zeal of the group and he said that the enthusiasm was infectious.
Subsequently, Akanksha Singh began the cultural programme with Bihar state anthem, reminding people about the rich cultural heritage of their home state. The floor was then open for everyone to sing and dance, and the atmosphere was electric. Kids’ dance performances, adults singing and sharing their experiences on how far they have come yet feeling so close to their origins. The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Rajnish Rai, Secretary (Public Relations).
The Sabha is highly appreciated for providing a common platform to the people of these states to connect with one another as they continue to grow together as one big happy family in New Zealand.