By HANNAH STONE in Rotorua
Sunita Jeram loves getting decked out in traditional Indian costume.
She'll be part of the colour, culture and music filling Rotorua's streets tomorrow for the annual Multicultural Festival.
A Parade of Nations through the central city will mark the start of the
2004 festival.
A member of the Bay of Plenty/Rotorua Indian Association, Miss Jeram says the most exciting part of performing at the festival is wearing traditional clothing and jewels.
She has been performing traditional Indian dance since she was a child and will be among the solo performers at tomorrow's festival.
Rotorua Ethnic Council spokesman Pieter van Etten said people from a wide variety of countries and cultures would be represented, including Filipina, Indian, South African, Dutch, Scottish and Asian, highlighting a diverse local community. "It will make people aware that we are a multicultural society whether we like it or not," he said.
Representatives of cultural groups based in Rotorua and the wider district will start their parade at 10am from the Polynesian Spa end of Hinemoa St and walk to the City Focus. The parade will continue along Amohia St, then Arawa St to the Sportsdrome, where the festival is being held, featuring food stalls and performances. Entry is by gold coin donation.
