The Indian Weekender, 27 October 2023

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10 NEW ZEALAND Friday, 27 October, 2023 Read online www.iwk.co.nz Chch Durga Puja celebration embraces multicultural spirit MAHESH KUMAR IN CHRISTCHURCH On Saturday, October 21, Bishopdale Community Centre in Christchurch came alive with the radiant colours and joyful sounds of Durga Puja celebration hosted by Christchurch Bengali Community. This auspicious event, a grand celebration of one of the most significant Hindu festivals, resonated with the spirit of triumph over evil and unity in diversity. The celebration was a big hit with Christchurch’s Bengali community, with people coming from all over the city to attend, dressed in their best traditional clothes. The event transcended cultural boundaries, showcasing a delightful line-up of performances from diverse cultural groups, including Bengali, Sri Lankan, Mexican, Kiwi, and Japanese artists. This vivid range of cultures on display was a testament to Christchurch’s commitment to multiculturalism and inclusivity. As with every Indian festival, food played a pivotal role in the festivities. The sumptuous feast was a highlight for everyone, with exotic flavours and aromas filling the air, creating an atmosphere of shared joy and culinary appreciation. The celebration was honoured by the presence of guests including Megan Woods, Hamish Campbell, and Duncan Webb. Arpan Mukherjee, a representative of the organising committee, expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the collaborative efforts that led to the event’s success. He underscored the dedication and passion invested in every facet of the celebration, and guests unanimously agreed that the event was orchestrated “from the heart”. This year’s Durga Puja celebrations were particularly significant, as UNESCO officially recognised the festival as Intangible Cultural Heritage. This acknowledgement celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Hindu community and highlights Durga Puja’s role in promoting cultural diversity, inclusivity and unity. The young ones revelled in the festivities, enchanting performances, and a captivating magic show. The High Commissioner of India to New Zealand, Neeta Bhushan, conveyed her warm wishes to the attendees through a video message, bestowing her blessings of happiness, prosperity, and good health. Her message resonated with the participants, who shared their aspirations for a world blessed with peace. In the words of a participant, “Goddess Durga symbolises power and victory over evil, and we hope that this festival season will bless the Earth with peace. Thank you.” The event’s success was made possible through the generous support of sponsors, including Christchurch City Council, Indian High Commission and NZ Mortgages. Bihar, Jharkhand’s rich traditions shine at Auckland Navratri event NAVDEEP KAUR MARWAH IN AUCKLAND In a heartwarming display of cultural unity and heritage preservation, Bihar Jharkhand Sabha of Australia and New Zealand (BJANZ) brought the spirit of Navratri to life in Auckland. At least 100 enthusiastic members of the Kiwi-Indian community gathered at the Onehunga Community Centre to commemorate Navratri, one of the most revered festivals in the Indian community. The event, which was marked by vibrant performances and profound cultural significance, served as a beautiful showcase of the rich traditions of Bihar and Jharkhand. The October 21 evening commenced with enchanting rhythms of the traditional ‘aarti’ ceremony. It was a time for reflection and reverence, setting the tone for a night of cultural immersion. Following the spiritual start, attendees were treated to lively garba dance performances that captivated the audience. These performances reflected the warm and inclusive spirit of the community, fostering an atmosphere of togetherness and joy. Navratri, the nine-night Hindu festival celebrated enthusiastically in India and among Indian communities worldwide, honours goddess Durga and symbolises the triumph of good over evil. The celebration saw participants donned in resplendent traditional attire, Guests strike a happy pose on the dance floor. their mesmerising dances paying homage to the goddess while preserving the rich cultural traditions. Beyond the performances, the event was an opportunity for community members to come together, share their traditions, and strengthen their sense of belonging. The significance of the Navratri event extends far beyond the dance and music. It holds a special place in the hearts of the Bihar and Jharkhand community in New Zealand. It serves as a cultural bridge, connecting them to their roots and allowing them to preserve their heritage while living far from their homeland. Rani Singh, BJANZ’s President, expressed her joy at the success of the event, saying, “Navratriis a time for us to connect with our roots and instill a sense of pride in our rich culture. “The inspiration behind organising this event in New Zealand is deeply rooted in the desire to maintain cultural ties and create a strong sense of community among the members of the Sabha. It’s heartening to see the younger generation actively participating and keeping our traditions alive even when far away from our homeland.” Tapan Verma, one of the attendees, echoed the same sentiment. “BJANZ’s Navratricelebration was a true testament to the power of community, culture, and tradition. It was a night that reminded everyone that no matter where life had taken them, their roots were still deeply intertwined with their hearts and community.” Adding to this, one of the participants, Pragati Rai, said, “It was a heart-warming reminder of the rich traditions that bind Kiwi-Indians together, irrespective of where they may call home.”
Read online www.iwk.co.nz Friday, 27 October, 2023 NEW ZEALAND 11 ‘His spin was a symphony of elegance and craft’ DEV NADKARNI Amidst all the banter on the long flight to New Delhi in the year 2011 with then Prime Minister Sir John Key’s official delegation on Royal New Zealand Air Force 757, it wasn’t long before the talk turned to cricket. Sir John spoke fondly about how he had idolised Bishan Singh Bedi, growing up in Christchurch, emulating his zigzag run up between umpire and wickets in the backyard of his family home. Stephen Fleming was part of that chat and I’m quite sure he had something to do with coordinating with New Zealand High Commission in New Delhi to organise a little surprise for Sir John when he paid an official visit to the iconic Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium (now Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium). There, as we nibbled samosas and chai at the reception, in walked Bishan Singh Bedi to the utter delight of Sir John and the two had a great pow-wow as though they’d known each other for ages. A little while later we all went down to the grounds and Bedi bowled a few to Sir John, which he played very gently, with great respect. (After farewelling Bedi, Sir John headed out into the middle where he showed his batting chops, whacking Stephen for a couple of boundaries.) RIP Bishan Singh Bedi Bishan Bedi wasn’t just a cricketer; he was a virtuoso who reshaped the game with his mesmerising spin bowling skills. Bedi’s influence on cricket stretched far and wide, earning him the respect and admiration of legends in the sport. Bedi’s passing left a void in the cricketing world, but his legend continues to live on. Legendary Indian opener and captain Sunil Gavaskar once said of him: “Bedi was a The late Bishan Singh Bedi with former prime minister John Key in New Delhi in 2011. magician with the ball, an artist in the truest sense. His flight and guile were unmatched.” Bedi and Gavaskar were a mutual fan club, with Bedi naming his son Gavasinder Singh after the ‘Little Master’. Bedi debuted his test career quite serendipitously when an injury benched the game’s most parsimonious bowler ever, Bapu Nadkarni, from a test match against Sir Garfield Sobers’ West Indies at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Much later, Sir Gary remarked, “Watching Bedi bowl was like watching a painter at work. He had a canvas, and he painted it with a spin and drift that was breathtaking.” Bedi’s skill and mastery over his bowling was compared to an art also by Australian cricketing great and commentator Richie Benaud: “Bishan Bedi brought poetry to cricket, his slow left-arm spin was a symphony of elegance and craft.” As we bid farewell to Bishan Singh Bedi, we celebrate his contributions to the game of cricket. His memory serves as a lasting reminder of the magic and artistry that cricket can encompass, inspiring generations of cricketers and enthusiasts. Bedi played 67 test matches for a haul of 266 wickets for an impressive bowling average of 28.71. His test innings best was 7-98 and he had five wicket hauls 14 times and a 10-wicket trophy once. RIP Bishan Singh Bedi, the maestro of spin bowling, and an artist on the cricketing canvas. Jobs growth in small businesses despite 'tightening of the belts': Xero RNZ Small businesses are facing declining sales in a challenging trading environment. Accounting software company Xero's Small Business Insights report shows sales fell 1.5 percent year-on-year in September. Over the September quarter, sales growth ticked over at 0.7 percent. Despite weak sales, jobs growth remained strong - rising 7 percent year-on-year - while wages increased 3.5 percent. Xero country manager Bridget Snelling said the pace of jobs growth may not be sustainable given the downward trend in sales. "The road ahead is still challenging for Kiwi small businesses," she said. "We've seen a drop in sales, even though we've seen jobs growth. What we know is that looking at these results, customers don't have much disposable income left over to be shopping. "We're seeing a tightening of the belts, a tightening of the purse strings and that is a concerning factor with supporting small businesses." Sales in agriculture fell 5.4 percent yearon-year, with the international economy impacting New Zealand's exports. "There are differences in industries and regions. Sales are inconsistent across the country with some regions facing more challenging times than other." WAITAKERE DIWALI MELA Auckland gears up for vibrant cultural showcase IWK BUREAU New Zealand’s cultural landscape is gearing up for a glorious display of diversity, culture and community with the highly anticipated Waitakere Diwali Mela 2023. For more than two decades, this event has held the hearts and minds of Kiwis and the thriving Indian community in the country, and it has evolved into a grand showcase of unity and diversity. Organised by Waitakere Indian Association (WIA), the gala embraces a vibrant theme–celebrating diversity, culture and social cohesion. It presents a unique opportunity for people of all backgrounds to unite and immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Indian culture. This year’s Diwali Mela, scheduled to take place on October 29 at The Trusts Arena in Henderson, promises a day filled with excitement and cultural immersion, featuring an array of highlights. Diwali Mela commences with religious prayers at 10am, setting an auspicious tone for the day. Performances and stalls open their doors at 11am and continue until 10pm, ensuring a full day of celebration. The event boasts of a stellar lineup of more than 600 performers who will grace the stage with traditional and contemporary Indian dances. Attendees can experience the kaleidoscope of Indian dance forms and storytelling through movement. With more than 30 arts and crafts stalls, shopping enthusiasts can explore authentic and traditional homeware, jewellery, clothing and more, making it a perfect opportunity to discover unique treasures and gifts. Food lovers are in for a treat, with more than 26 food stalls representing diverse Indian cuisines, each offering unique flavours. Moreover, families will find a range of activities to enjoy, from henna tattooing to cricket nets for budding cricketers. There’s something for everyone, including a dedicated kids’ amusements area. The event will culminate in a fireworks display at 9.40pm, illuminating the night sky and providing a fitting conclusion to the festivities. Sunil Kaushal, President of WIA, expressed his gratitude for the support of more than 20 community groups and financial partners, who have played a vital role in bringing the cultural extravaganza to life. “We are excited to welcome you to this vibrant celebration of culture and community, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to all the individuals, community groups, and partners who have made this event possible.” Snapshots from the 2022 edition. WIA President Sunil Kaushal (above) welcomes guests. From its humble beginnings 23 years ago, with just 150 attendees, Waitakere Diwali Mela has blossomed into one of New Zealand’s largest Diwali celebrations, drawing more than 20,000 visitors. One remarkable aspect of this year’s event is its dedication to supporting and fundraising for breast cancer, in addition to celebrating culture and actively contributing to a noble cause. “The mela transcends being just a cultural celebration; it reflects New Zealand’s multicultural identity and commitment to inclusivity. As the Indian population in New Zealand continues to grow, this event symbolises the harmonious coexistence of cultures, offering Kiwis of all backgrounds a chance to immerse themselves in India’s sights, sounds, and flavours,” Kaushal says.
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