The tirikutu naach is a traditional dance form – very popular in Fiji – during which the male devotees depict Hindu gods and goddesses, or notable kings and queens, enact scenes from religious stories. Sometimes there is also a mantri in the enactment, which is essentially a clown keeping the audiences entertained throughout the dance – a major part of Diwali celebrations in Fiji.
The Garden City got to witness this tradition of the Pacific nation last Saturday at the city's last public Diwali celebration organised by the Canterbury Social and Cultural Group (CSCG).
Kala Nand, a prominent Fiji-Indian community member who attended the event said, “The dancers who were rehearsing for almost two months, came from all age groups and did an excellent job. Sharing Fijian culture with the wider community and providing an opportunity to our young generation to showcase their talent were the twin goals of the event. And CSCG certainly achieved that. It seemed like we have a small Fiji in New Zealand.”