This weekend, the Lake Hayes Pavilion will be the focus of two huge events ahead of a new religious celebration next Sunday.
After proving a resounding success last year, the Haryali Teej Celebrations — a women-only event — makes a return this Saturday night.,
Teej is a Hindu festival celebrated by many women in India and Nepal to welcome the monsoon season and remember the reunion of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, the couple whose description in every Hindu mythological text teaches how people should act in a relationship.
Bhartiya Samaj Queenstown Charitable Trust president Mangal Behal says they expected about 80 women to attend last year’s celebrations, but about 145 turned up.
Given the number of new Indian residents in Queenstown and surrounds, Behal’s expecting between 130 and 150 to attend on Saturday night, including some travelling from Christchurch.
This year’s event, running from 6pm till 10pm, will include a mehndi stall, courtesy of Pounamu Henna, a jewellery stall, and food from Mantra Restaurant.
It’s immediately followed by India’s independence day celebrations on Sunday, from 10.30am till 1pm, marking the 78th anniversary of Indian gaining its independence from the United Kingdom.
Behal says that’ll include a flag hoisting, children’s performances and presentations to children, along with food and refreshments.
Then, next Sunday, there’ll be a special event — Krishna Janmashtami — commemorating the birth of Lord Krishna, Lord Vishnu’s eighth avatar on Earth.
It’s being held at Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau, in Hanley’s Farm, from 3pm till 6pm.
Krishna’s birthday’s celebrated around the world every year, but it’ll be the first time the trust officially marks it in Queenstown.
Behal says final details are to be confirmed, but there will be a Krishna idol, which will be bathed before it’s placed for people to pray in front of, along with music and food.
"It’s a big month.
"We thought, let’s do it, because there are a lot of newcomers to the town, so they’ll get an opportunity to reconnect with their culture as well."
