Keeping Tradition Alive: Navratri Brings Auckland Together at Mahatma Gandhi Centre

The Auckland Indian Association’s celebrations brought Garba, faith and community connection into one space, with India’s High Commissioner and representatives from National and ACT among those attending.

By Webfit News | 18 October 2026

Garba and community celebration filled Auckland’s Mahatma Gandhi Centre as the Auckland Indian Association marked Day 7 of its Navratri programme, welcoming India’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, Muanpuii Saiawi, alongside political and community guests.

In its account of the evening, the association highlighted the joyful atmosphere and thanked those who joined the celebrations.

For a festival centred on collective participation, the gathering also carried a wider meaning: a chance to practise cultural traditions, strengthen local connections and share them with the next generation.

Political and Community Guests Join Celebrations

According to the association’s event post, attendees included National MP Melissa Lee, Carlos Cheung, Lalit Arya, former National MP Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, ACT MP Parmjeet Parmar and Andrew Lui from New Zealand Police.

National’s official listings identify Cheung as the MP for Mt Roskill and Arya as its candidate for Ōtāhuhu. Parliamentary records confirm Lee’s National affiliation and Bakshi’s previous service as a National MP, while Parmar’s current party is ACT.

The association welcomed the High Commissioner’s presence and acknowledged the guests’ support for the occasion. Its post focused on the celebration, rather than political speeches or policy announcements.

More Than an Evening of Dance

The gathering was part of the association’s Navratri programme running from 11 to 21 October at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre, 145 New North Road, Eden Terrace. The programme includes Garba, Raas, live musicians from India, food and religious observances honouring Mataji.

Garba’s significance extends beyond its lively rhythms. It is a devotional dance associated with Navratri, the Hindu festival dedicated to the divine feminine, or Shakti.

In 2023, UNESCO inscribed Garba of Gujarat on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Its recognition highlights how the tradition is passed between generations through practice, observation and participation, while bringing people from different backgrounds together.

That offers a useful perspective on celebrations in Auckland. Cultural heritage continues through people taking part: learning the movements, understanding the religious meaning and returning to celebrate together.

Connecting Generations

The association’s programme also makes specific provision for younger and older participants, with a Children and Seniors Garba session scheduled for Sunday, 18 October, from 2pm to 4pm.

The afternoon includes live music and dancing, followed by Aarti and light refreshments.

A dedicated daytime session broadens the opportunities to participate. It also reflects an important part of maintaining cultural traditions overseas: creating occasions where different generations can experience them together.

The value of these gatherings lies partly in that continuity. A community venue becomes a place where religious practice, music and social connection can be shared beyond individual households.

Devotion Remains at the Centre

Celebrations continue through Wednesday, 21 October. The association has scheduled Aathem Garba for Monday, 19 October, with Aartis at 9pm and 10.30pm.

The presence of diplomatic, political and Police guests added a public dimension to Day 7. At the centre of the occasion, however, was the community’s participation in a tradition that combines faith, dance and belonging.

Source: Auckland Indian Association Incorporated’s event post and official programme, with political affiliations checked against party and parliamentary records.