The Indian Weekender, 07 May 2021

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6 NEW ZEALAND Marathi community celebrates Maharashtra Day with gusto Young performers present a dance. Friday, May 7, 2021 The Indian Weekender DEV NADKARNI The Auckland Marathi Association (AMAI), the city’s Marathi-speaking diaspora, celebrated Maharashtra Din, the 61st foundation day of the western Indian state of Maharashtra on May 1. Maharashtra Din commemorates the day in 1960 when the two neighbouring states of Maharashtra and Gujarat came into being, carved out of the pre-Indian independence realm of Bombay Presidency. On a more sombre note, the day also commemorates the martyrdom of 106 revolutionaries who had to lay their lives for the formation of Maharashtra state along with Mumbai under the Samyukt Maharashtra Movement which took place between 1956-1960. Some 250 enthusiastic Maharashtrians congregated at the Freemans Bay Community Centre to celebrate the day with a string of excellent cultural performances followed by a Maharashtrian repast of Misal pav, jilebi and endless cups of hot chai. A poignant moment from the dance drama based on Mahabharat. The proceedings began by observing a twominute silence in the memory of all those who have lost their lives in the ongoing second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic in India. This was followed by the auspicious lighting of the ceremonial lamp by Uday Gogtay and Sandhya Gogtay, the founding members of this organisation who were also the chief guests for the evening. The performances ranged from classical Kathak and Bharatnatyam to fusion Bollywood and folk dance, all performed by the member of all ages from tiny tots to professionally trained accomplished artistes of the Marathi community. Stand out performances included the Kathak and Bharatnatyam dances and the exceptional dance drama choreographed and performed by the talented Swarali Pande that encapsulated poignant scenes from the timeless Mahabharat. Winners of the Sports Day organized by AMAI in April 2021 were awarded their trophies and prizes by the chief guests. AMAI President Vishal Patil, informed the attendees about various initiatives taken by the association like the Covid Relief Fund for India An impromptu dance where everyone participated and the Ronald MacDonald Charities food serving to be taken up by the volunteers of the association in the upcoming month of June. The evening ended with a famous Maharashtrian delicacy “Misal Paav” being served to all the people present at the celebration. Several of the attendees participated in an impromptu street dance with great gusto, having missed on the opportunity at similar events in 2020 because of the pandemic ravaged year that saw no community events because of successive lockdowns. • IMMIGRATION LAW • CRIMINAL LAW • FAMILY LAW • EMPLOYMENT LAW • PROPERTY LAW • WILLS & TRUSTS Winner of Indian Business Award 2018 • Supreme Business of the year •Excellence in marketing • Best Young Entrepreneur of the Year • Businesswoman of the year(Special award) Winner of Indian Business Awards 2017 • Best Employer of choice • Best Medium-sized Business Winner of Indian Business Awards 2016 • Best Businesswoman of the year * Terms & conditions apply Raj and Ashima Singh • 31, East Tamaki Road, Level–1 Papatoetoe, Auckland.Ph: +64 9 2799439 | 02102417161 | Fax: +64 9 2799419 • PO BOX 23445, Hunters Corner, Papatoetoe, Auckland. 2025 (Above Bank Of India) | www.legalassociates.co.nz CONTACT US AT: RAJ:raj@legalassociates.co.nz / ASHIMA: ashima@legalassociates.co.nz LEGAL CLINIC FREE 2-hour legal consultation. Saturday - 10 am to 12 pm
The Indian Weekender Friday, May 7, 2021 NEW ZEALAND 7 ‘Mehndi Moko’ to mark silver jubilee celebrations of Hindu Council of NZ IWK BUREAU Hindu Council of New Zealand Inc. is planning to host several programs around the country to mark the completion of 25 years of service to the community in New Zealand. To acknowledge the contribution of volunteers who had pioneered and helped to grow the organisation, Hindu Council has chosen some selected programs from the previous years. These programs not only showcase the achievements but will also bring good memories and volunteers together. Mehndi Moko – a unique fusion of two art forms Mehndi and Ta Moko – will be one of the key attractions at such celebratory events. Notably, the first Mehndi Moko workshop was organised in 2010 at Te Papaiouru Marae, Ohinemutu Village, during Rotorua Holi Festival. That was possibly the very first time in New Zealand that art forms (Mehndi and Ta Moko) of two cultures were brought together and given birth to a new phrase – Mehndi Moko. Speaking to the Indian Weekender, Vinod Kumar, President of Hindu Council of New Zealand, said, “We are very excited in celebrating the Silver Jubilee and showcasing our work to the New Zealand public.” “This year’s events will bring together the volunteers who have worked over the last 25 years”, he added. “If you have never stayed at a Marae, or would like to come and stay again, now is a perfect time! And not to worry, all accommodation, food, and resources needed for the workshops will be taken care of." Some selected programmes include Rangoli at the Marae, Hindu Māori Hui, Spirituality & Mental Health, Tree Planting, Health for Humanity Yogathon, Raksha Bandhan – Festival of Universal Fellowship & Veneration of Womanhood, Hindu Media workshop, to name a few. “The selected programmes are unique to Aotearoa New Zealand, and we are happy to repeat them due to popular demand”, said Dr Guna Magesan, General Secretary of Hindu Council of New Zealand and overall coordinator of Silver Jubilee celebrations. All these programs will be coordinated by different office bearers of the Hindu Council of New Zealand. The inaugural event will take place in the Apumoana Marae, Rotorua, on Saturday, May 15, in the form of a workshop on Rangoli (Ancient Indian Arts) and Mehndi Moko. Unique Marae Stay to Bring Hindu and Māori Communities Together Hindu Youth New Zealand (HYNZ) and New Zealand Hindu Students Forum (NZHSF) will be organising a unique Marae Stay at Apumoana Marae, Rotorua. The Marae Stay will commence from the evening of Friday, May 14 till midday Sunday, May 26, 2021, located near the Redwood forest in Rotorua. Since the early 2000’s, the Hindu Council of New Zealand used to annually host these Marae Stays with the welcome of the Māori community and the blessings of Kaumatua and Hindu elders. These Marae stays served as an opportunity for the Hindu community in New Zealand to connect with Tangata Whenua (people of the land), experience staying at a traditional marae and learn about the numerous similarities between the Hindu and Māori communities, be it socially, culturally, or spiritually. This year the youth divisions of the Hindu Council of New Zealand will be organising the Marae Stay to facilitate the meeting of like-minded individuals/families and give an opportunity for participants to witness the coming together of Hindu and Māori culture. The family-friendly Marae Stay will be packed with interactive and hands-on sessions, visits to local tourist/nature sites, and fun activities suitable for all age groups. “If you have never stayed at a Marae, or would like to come and stay again, now is a perfect time! And not to worry, all accommodation, food, and resources needed for the workshops will be taken care of. Come with your friends and family and enjoy an awesome weekend away,” Murali Krishna Magesan, President, Hindu Youth New Zealand, said.
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Page 16 and 17: 16 ENTERTAINMENT Friday, May 7, 202
Page 18 and 19: 18 TIME OUT Friday, April 30, 2020

The Indian Weekender, 07 May 2021

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