PREETI MAHESHWARI
The Bihar Jharkhand Association of New Zealand (BJANZ) hosted a vibrant Garba Night on Saturday at Balmoral Hall, Auckland, marking the onset of the nine-day Navratri festival. Held just before the official start of Navratri, the event brought together community members for an evening of dance, food, and cultural celebration.
A Hall Drenched in Colour and Energy
Participants arrived in dazzling traditional attire—women in embroidered chaniya cholis, men in colourful kurta-pyjamas, and children in charming ethnic outfits. The night opened with the traditional aarti (worship of Goddess Durga), followed by nonstop garba and dandiya as the DJ blended classic Navratri tracks with modern beats. After the aarti, a scintillating dance performance by Kiran Singh on “Mahishasura Mardini Stotram” left everyone awestruck and set the stage for a wonderful evening. The packed dance floor turned the evening into a carnival of rhythm and joy.
Stalls Add Sparkle, Flavour and Nostalgia
Three festive stalls captured the spirit of the night.
- Shining Gemz displayed an elegant jewellery collection.
- Chill & Cheers by Ranhir Singh served tropical blends, including the popular Coco Colada and Island Love.
- Taste of Bihar offered hot chai and crispy samosas, a nostalgic comfort for many.
The stalls provided guests with the perfect opportunity to shop, sip, and snack between energetic dance rounds.
Food, Fun and Family Bonding
A sumptuous dinner catered to diverse tastes, encouraging families to sit together and share a meal. Competitions added to the excitement, with awards for Best Dressed, Best Hairdo, and Best Dancer. Loud cheers and applause accompanied the announcements, highlighting the community’s enthusiasm.
Keeping Traditions Alive
“Garba Night is more than just a dance event. It’s about keeping traditions alive, connecting with our roots, and creating memories with our community here in New Zealand,” said BJANZ President Amit Verma.
Navratri, celebrated over nine nights, honours Goddess Durga and symbolises the victory of good over evil. Rani Nalam of RANZ Financial Services noted, “This event is not only about enjoyment but also about staying connected with our community.”
Guest participant Krupa Parajiya added, “Garba symbolises the cycle of life and honours Shakti, the feminine divine energy. Dancing in circles around the goddess reflects unity, devotion, and joy.”
Closing on a High Note
The evening ended with families sharing dinner and festive greetings. For many, it was not only a night of entertainment but also a moment to reconnect with cultural roots while celebrating Navratri far from home.
The event was supported by the Bank of India, RANZ Financial Services, National Finance, Travel Shop, Kaumatua Energy, and Unique Beauty and Hair.
Winners
- Best Dressed Female: 1st – Arti Kaushik; 2nd – Aditi Verma
- Best Dressed Male: 1st – Dhananjay Tewari; 2nd – Vinay Jaiswal
- Best Dancer Male: Vir Jha
- Best Dancer Female: Namita Bhardwaj, Neha, and Preeti
