Gurinder Singh and Harcharan Kaur singing kirtans. Photo / Supplied
Gurinder Singh and Harcharan Kaur singing kirtans. Photo / Supplied
DharmaFest 2025, a vibrant youth-led celebration of Dharmic culture and spirituality, brought together hundreds at the Hindu Heritage Centre recently.
Organised by Hindu Youth New Zealand in collaboration with the HOTA Forum, the festival on November 22 embraced the theme “Vibhinnatāyām Ekatvam” – Unity in Diversity, showcasing how Dharmicvalues enrich New Zealand’s multicultural society.
Visitors travelled from Auckland, Hawke’s Bay, Tauranga and even Sydney to experience the day-long event featuring art, food, crafts, wellness practices and knowledge systems such as Yoga, Ayurveda and Meditation.
The event started with a warm welcome to leaders representing Dharma traditions, meditation communities and yoga groups.
Invited guests lighting the lamp, along with the festival coordinator. Photo / Supplied
This year’s dignitaries included Radha Dasi, Chairperson of Meditation NZ; Gurinder Singh, priest of Rotorua Gurudwara representing Sikh Dharma; and Ma Kalaadevi, who led International Yoga Day in Rotorua in 2024, said a statement from the Hindu Organisations, Temples and Associations Forums.
Together with festival coordinator Komal Sahani, they ceremonially lit the lamp to inaugurate the festival.
Radha Dasi and Ma Kalaadevi shared brief reflections on meditation and yoga, while Gurinder Singh spoke about Sikh Dharma.
As 2025 marks the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, Gurinder Singh also spoke on the sacrifices made by Sikh Gurus.
“Many children participating in the fancy dress competition listened with great interest,” said event organisers.
Children participated in fancy dress competition. Photo / Supplied
“This moment inspired Dr Guna Magesan to invite Gurinder Singh to visit Playtopia Educare – where nearly 80% of the children are from the Punjabi community – to share similar teachings so more children can benefit."
Following the opening ceremony, participants were guided through basic meditation techniques by Radha Dasi, followed by a yoga session led by Jennifer Carruthers. Both sessions were well-received and greatly appreciated by attendees.
Throughout the day, guests explored a range of stalls featuring cultural displays, arts and crafts, jewellery, clothing, and other creative expressions. Visitors also enjoyed a delightful selection of authentic vegetarian dishes from two food stalls.
Mantra Band team. Photo / Supplied
According to organisers, one of the major highlights of DharmaFest 2025 was the Mantra Band concert, held from 5pm to 7pm – their first-ever performance in Rotorua.
“Renowned for their uplifting and spiritually inspired music, the band captivated both locals and visitors.
“The concert was so well received that the Hindu Heritage Centre extended an open invitation for Mantra Band to return to Rotorua whenever they wish to perform.”
Audience enjoying and singing along with Mantra Band. Photo / Supplied
