The Indian Weekender, 11 June 2021

10 NEW ZEALAND
Friday, June 11, 2021
The Indian Weekender
Bharatanatyam Dance drama marks completion of
glorious 25 years of Anuradha School of Dances
PAULA RAY
Anuradha’s School of Indian
Dances, led by Anuradha
Ramkumar, completed 25
years of its existence and celebrated
the occasion with a scintillating
Bharatanatyam dance drama on
Saturday June 5 at Dorothy Winston
Centre.
Titled ‘Maha Yugas - Four Epochs
of Time’, the dance drama portrayed
the process of self-realisation by
depicting the four great epochs in
Hindu philosophy – Satya Yuga,
Treta Yuga, Dvapar Yuga, Kali Yuga,
with fluid movements of the dancers’
feet and arms.
Set in Bharatnatyam dance
form, the production showcased
colourful costumes, elaborate
headgears, exquisite props and
splendid choreography.
The two-and-a-half-hour
extravaganza was embellished by
splendid choreography, colourful
costumes, props against a digital
backdrop with over 100 students
(performers) from diverse ethnic
groups, each trained by the maestro
Anuradha Ramkumar.
Speaking to the Indian Weekender,
Mrs Ramkumar said, “This magnum
opus Maha Yugas was in essence,
a tribute to the innate talent of the
younger members of our society who
will in future be a source of pride and
act as ambassadors of Indian culture
and tradition,”
Mrs Ramkumar expressed
satisfaction with the immaculate
performances of her students that had
left the full house audiences almost
speechless and wanting for more at
the end of the almost three-hour-long
show.
Anuradha Ramkumar is a leading
and revered Dance Guru who has
trained a large number of dance
enthusiasts within the Kiwi-Indian
community and beyond in her more
than three decades journey of being
a seasoned dance teacher.
Elaborating further on
the ancient Hindu philosophy,
which also acts as a source of
spiritual inspiration to most of the
classical dance forms emanating
from India, including Bharatnatyam,
Mrs Ramkumar said, “This dance
production was essentially a
portrayal of the perceived decline of
dharma from Satyug to Kalyug.”
“I think our students did
"This
magnum
opus Maha Yugas
was in essence, a tribute
to the innate talent of the
younger members of our
society who will in future
be a source of pride and
act as ambassadors of
Indian culture and
marvellous
work and
the success
of the
show is a
result of their
dedication and
tradition"
hard work,” Mrs
Ramkumar said.
She also elaborated her dream of
expanding the branches of Anuradha
School of Dances from Auckland
to other major cities of New
Zealand, particularly Wellington and
Hamilton.
The full house show has several
key attendees, including Honorary
Consul of India, Bhav Dhillon.
Speaking on occasion, he reflected
what could essentially be views of
most of the guests at the evening
about the magnificent production
standards of the show.
“The production quality of this
show was right at the top of very high
standards,” Mr Dhillon said.
“Such dance show upholds our
traditions and keep our cultural ties
alive among younger generations.
“It connects the diaspora with our
roots,” Mr Dhillon said.
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NEW ZEALAND
Over a ton of colour to be used at
Krishna Holi 2021 event in Kumeu
The Indian Weekender Friday, February 12, 2021 11
RIZWAN MOHAMMAD
T
he biggest Holi event in the country
on Sunday, February 14 at ISKCON
Temple in Kumeu will put over one
ton of colours for 10,000 visitors to play with
celebrating the annual Hindu festival.
Holi is one of the most popular and widely
celebrated festivals for the Indian community
after Diwali that is celebrated by the diaspora
and the adjoining communities across the globe.
The annual festival of colour falls on March
28-29 this year, and the religious element of the
festival signifies the triumph of good over evil.
It is observed a the end of winter and advent of
spring month (in the Indian subcontinent), and
spiritual part of the festival starts with Holika
Dahan (burning demon Holika) also known as
Chhoti Holi and the following day as Holi.
In its 9th year, Krishna Holi event at the
iconic Hare Krishna Temple in Kumeu, West
Auckland attracts thousands of people from all
walks of life, different ethnicities and faiths to
be a part of a colourful and joyous event.
Speaking with the Indian Weekender,
Krishna Chandra from the temple said they are
excited to see the festive season of Holi back
after a gloomy year of Covid-19 in the country.
“Holi at the Krishna Temple is one of the
most vibrant events in our calendar- we see
families dressed white clothing visi the temple
and then dance and drench in dry and wet
colours from noon till early evening,” Krishna
Chandra, secretary and spokesperson of Hare
Krishna Temple said.
The temple spread over 100 acres start the
free event at 11 a.m. and will have stalls that
distribute at least ten to 12 colours, and there
will also be watercolours for the visitors.
A giant LED screen is also installed on the
stage with a DJ and live music for the attendees
to dance and have fun.
“It’s a family-friendly- tobacco and alcoholfree
event. People of all ages can have fun as
there will be colour stalls, water stations, food
stalls, changing rooms, showering stations for
people drenched in colour,” Mr Chandra said.
He added tha the temple stocks colours to be sanitisers are in place for people, arrangements
used at the festival at least 2-3 years at a time. for children activities, so that everyone gets to
The temple will be used over a ton of colour at enjoy the even to its fullest.
the event both in its dry form and with water. “We have volunteers, security to usher
“We have given 200 kgs of colour to fire vehicles to park in the appropriate places,
brigade who will mix it in their water tank manage the oncoming and returning traffic,
and then splash it on the visitors at different and make sure visitors feel comfortable at the
intervals.
event,” Mr Chandra added.
“Since this year’s event coincides with The event organisers have appealed the
Valentine’s Day, we have kept valentine theme visitors to come in white dress as colours tend event like previous years will be high octane,
gifts and gift station too at the venue for the to exhibit its vibrancy on white clothing, get full of energy and good vibes,” Mr Chandra
public to celebrate the occasion there,” Mr spare clothing to change after playing with added.
Chandra added.
colour and food and water arrangements have ISKCON Temple is located on 1229
Mr Chandra says all arrangements in been made a the venue.
Coatesville-Riverhead Highway, Kumeu, West
terms of Covid QR Code scanning and hand “Hol is always a fun event and Krishna Holi Auckland, and the event starts at noon to 5 p.m.
Hare Krishna temple to host ‘Saatvik food festival’
RIZWAN MOHAMMAD
T
he Hare Krishna Temple in Kumeu, West Auckland
is hosting its annual food festival event on Saturday,
February 13, for the community.
More than 3000 people are expected to attend the event
where they will be served saatvik vegetarian food, tour the
temple premises and have a relaxing family-fun day.
“Our Hare Krishna Food Festival is very popular amongs the
wider Kiwi community in Auckland, people from all faiths and
ethnicities come to the temple, take a tour of the place knowing
about the deities, the ISKCON establishment, its works for the
community and have snacks and food during the day,” Krishna
Chandra, secretary and spokesperson for Hare Krishna temple
told the Indian Weekender.
The event is said to be quiet, and exhibit a relaxing
environment where people get to meet new people, make
friends, experience the calmness being with nature, have
Saatvik (pure) vegetarian food and have good family day.
“This event is happening just one day before our most
popular Krishna Holi event which is will be loud, full of energy,
playfulness, music and dance,” Mr Chandra added.
The events will start at 2 p.m. and end at seven in the evening.
Besides the food festival, Krishna Temple organises lunch
event every Sunday at its premises where 300-400 people
come, chant mantras, meditate, spend some time with nature
and dine with the community members.
“It is a soothing atmosphere at the temple, chanting mantras
with the community, knowing more about the religion, what
can they do a the temple and how can they make a difference in
the community by serving others and the less privileged.
“There are also children’s activities
organised so that they engage themselves
and also have a good time at the temple,” Mr
Chandra said.