Hindu Youth New Zealand (HYNZ), in collaboration with the HOTA (Hindu Organisations, Temples, and Associations) Forum, has announced Dharma Fest 2025, a vibrant, youth-led celebration of Dharmic culture and values. The festival will take place on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at the Hindu Heritage Centre, 225 Malfroy Road, Rotorua, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Launched in 2022 under the leadership of Murali Krishna Magesan, DharmaFest has emerged as a pioneering platform that unites diverse Dharma-based organisations, temples, and spiritual groups under the theme “Vibhinnatāyām Ekatvam” , Unity in Diversity.
This year’s edition of the festival aims to highlight the enduring contribution of Dharmic values to New Zealand’s multicultural fabric. The event will showcase how traditions rooted in art, food, crafts, clothing, wellness, and ancient knowledge systems like Yoga, Ayurveda, and Meditation continue to foster harmony and holistic living in contemporary society.
The day will begin with prayers and blessings from community leaders representing multiple Dharma traditions, symbolising the spirit of togetherness that defines the Dharmic way of life. The youth-led coordination of the event underscores intergenerational collaboration, with elders guiding and encouraging young people to sustain and spread Dharmic values.
Visitors can look forward to colourful cultural stalls, arts and crafts exhibits, Ayurveda and Yoga workshops, Mehndi (henna) art, traditional jewellery and clothing, and interactive wellness demonstrations. With this year’s special theme of Health and Wellness, the festival will also offer the public practical insights into living mindfully and maintaining balance through Dharma principles.
Authentic vegetarian cuisines from various Dharmic cultures will further add flavour to the celebrations, showcasing culinary diversity from India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Fiji, and beyond.
“We are excited to bring DharmaFest to Rotorua for the public to experience,” said Komal Sahani, Coordinator of DharmaFest 2025. “It’s an opportunity for the wider community to come together, learn from one another, and celebrate the shared values of peace, harmony, and respect.”
Echoing this sentiment, Dr Guna Magesan, President of the Hindu Council of New Zealand, said, “DharmaFest represents the unity of diverse traditions that enrich New Zealand’s social and cultural landscape.”
Adding to the festive spirit, the Mantra Band will perform a special evening concert from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Hindu Heritage Centre, their first-ever performance in Rotorua. Known for their uplifting and spiritually inspired music, the band’s live concert is expected to be a major attraction for both locals and visitors.
“We have performed at DharmaFest in Auckland and are thrilled to support the youth-led initiative in Rotorua,” said Paramahamsa Dasa, Manager of Mantra Band.
The event will also feature Radha Dasi, Chairperson of Meditation NZ, who will lead a guided session on basic meditation techniques. “It is our privilege to inspire young people and the wider community to experience kirtan and to share in the spiritual joy, peace, and unity that DharmaFest represents,” she said.
DharmaFest 2025 is expected to draw participants from across New Zealand’s diverse multicultural communities, including those with roots in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Fiji, the Philippines, Thailand, China, Korea, Japan, and South Africa.
The festival promises to be an uplifting celebration of inclusivity, spirituality, and cultural harmony, a true reflection of unity in diversity through Dharma.