Karva Chauth 2025 Celebrated With Devotion And Unity By Hindu Women Forum NZ

The spirit of devotion, love, and cultural pride illuminated communities across New Zealand as the Hindu Women Forum (HWF), a division of the Hindu Council of New Zealand, celebrated Karva Chauth 2025 on Friday, October 10. The nationwide observance brought together women, families, and community leaders in a heartfelt tribute to tradition and womanhood.

Following the resounding success of the 1st New Zealand Hindu Women Conference held in Wellington last month, HWF continued its mission of cultural empowerment through this festival that signifies faith, marital devotion, and the strength of women.

Across major cities, including Auckland, Hamilton, Hawke’s Bay, Palmerston North, Wellington, and Christchurch, HWF chapters hosted and collaborated on festive gatherings. Each city added its own local flavour while maintaining the shared spirit of togetherness and spirituality.

In Auckland, the celebration took place at the Sri Radha Damodar Temple, Panmure, where Acharya Ajay Tiwari led the traditional puja. The event, coordinated by Tanya Mehra and supported by Madhavi Vora and HWF members, featured storytelling on the festival’s significance, devotional songs, and intergenerational exchanges.

“Karva Chauth is not only about fasting; it is about faith, commitment, and celebrating love in its purest form,” said Tanya Mehra, the Auckland event coordinator. Madhavi Vora added, “The energy and enthusiasm among women were truly uplifting; it was a day of tradition, positivity, and unity.”

Participants, including Priya Jain and Aastha Bahl, lauded the warm and festive atmosphere, describing the event as “beautifully organised and filled with joy and togetherness.”

In Wellington, more than 100 women joined the celebrations at the Balaji Temple in Wainuiomata, coordinated by Hema Sourirajan, while in Christchurch, over 300 women participated at the ISKCON Hare Krishna Temple, led by Archna Tandon. Smaller community gatherings were also held in Rotorua and Hawke’s Bay, reflecting widespread participation and enthusiasm.

The 2025 Karva Chauth celebrations mark an important milestone in HWF’s growing outreach, uniting women across cultural and regional boundaries. The organisation now plans to expand celebrations to more cities next year, including Whangarei, Tauranga, Gisborne, Nelson, Queenstown, and Invercargill, and is inviting volunteers to join the initiative.

Through such events, the Hindu Women Forum continues to nurture cultural identity, intergenerational bonding, and community solidarity, reaffirming the timeless values of Hindu heritage in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Upcoming events by HWF include the 3rd Tongariro Alpine Crossing on November 15, 2025, and the 2nd New Zealand Hindu Women Conference in Auckland, August 2026.