Punjabi Language Week 2025 draws more than 400 in Hawke’s Bay

Hawke’s Bay hosted the sixth Punjabi Language Week at Toitoi Event Centre with over 400 attendees. Photo / Supplied

Hawke’s Bay came alive this weekend as the Punjabi community gathered at Toitoi Event Centre to celebrate the sixth Punjabi Language Week, an event dedicated to preserving and promoting one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing languages, with over 49,000 speakers in New Zealand.

More than 400 attendees joined the regional celebration, marked by large participation from children and a lively programme of Punjabi performances, including Bhangra, Giddha, traditional music, and soulful songs.

The celebration was marked by participation from children and a lively programme of Punjabi performances.

Organiser Sukhdeep Singh said the celebration was more than a cultural event, it was a movement to preserve, promote, and pass on the Punjabi language to future generations.

“Language is the heart of identity and heritage; it carries stories, traditions, and values. By celebrating Punjabi Language Week, we ensure that our children learn the language with pride, strengthen intergenerational bonds, and share our rich culture with the wider community.”

The event brought together members of the Punjabi community, local government leaders, and representatives from central agencies, including those from the Ministry of Ethnic Communities and the Ministry of Social Development.

“I would like to thank everyone who attended the event, including our guests, performers, audience, Punjabi school teachers, and the entire Punjabi community for coming together to celebrate this Punjabi Language Week,” Singh says.

“Thanks to Hastings Sikh Society NZ, Shri Ravidass Temple Hastings, and Hastings Punjabi School for their incredible support in making this event possible. Everyone’s support and enthusiasm made this event truly special.”

Co-organiser Manjit Sandhu says activities will continue this week at Hastings and Napier Libraries in Hawkes Bay, offering opportunities for families and individuals to engage further with Punjabi language and culture.

“We were blown away with the response from the community and their eagerness to take part in performances to showcase our culture.”