On the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, it is customary to see several celebrations across the Indian diaspora. This is because the same festival is known and celebrated across the length and breadth of India in different names- Bihu in Northeast state of Assam, Lohri in Punjab, Pongal in Tamil Nadu and Makar Sankranti in Kerala, Gujarat, Uttarakhand and other states in the north.

The Hindu Foundation of New Zealand (www.hindufoundation.org.nz) announced its arrival on the charity scene in New Zealand with a Havan,(also known as homa or homam) , a Sanskrit word that refers to any ritual wherein offerings are made into a consecrated fire. The Havan was conducted, and prayers offered for the benefit of all New Zealand in the true spirit of Hinduism of which “Vasudaiva Kudumbakam” (world is one family) is a core philosophy.

The event also had bhajans and cultural performances. The evening kicked off with a customary obeisance Lord Ganesha rendered by Mohan ji. This was followed by Ram Chaupayi (a quatrain verse of poetic verses from the Ramayan), rendered with fervour by Sandeep ji. A lovely Krishna bhajan was performed by Hema ji. The round of Bhajans followed by a welcome speech by the master of ceremonies Tanya ji followed by a rousing speech by Hemant Yadav ji which among other things touched upon the aims and objectives of the new organization and the crying need for Hindu children in New Zealand to be taught about their culture and religion so that they can carry forth the essence of Hinduism into the future.

The kids of various ages got into the act next with performances like Ganesh dance, Shiv Tandav and a group dance “Bharat humko Jaan se pyara hai”. The performances were well appreciated by the audience which turned up in good numbers despite covid restrictions. Kudos to the organizers for ensuring covid protocols for gatherings were adhered to.

The event ended with the office bearers promising to work in and with the community to make a difference at the grass roots level.

– Rajesh Krishnamurthy (Rajesh Krishnamurthy is a man of multiple talent and an established columnist and writer who has been writing for many decades for different publication in India and overseas. He is actively involved with many social & community activities and events in New Zealand and several other countries.)