Hindu Youth New Zealand (HYNZ) is proud to launch New Zealand’s first ever DharmaFest event, to be held in Auckland on Sunday, 7th August 2022. Though DharmaFest was planned for launch last year, a few days before the event the New Zealand Government announced a nationwide lockdown – resulting in the event being postponed. This year, DharmaFest will be held from 10.00am – 12.30pm at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre, Eden Terrace, Auckland.

DharmaFest is an event that brings various Dharma based groups, temples and spiritual organisations together to showcase the beautiful dimensions of Hindu/Dharmic culture and the contribution of this diverse community to the wider New Zealand society. DharmaFest is a family-friendly event, open to all, where people can explore various stalls to learn about some of the most ancient diverse cultures, arts, crafts, yoga, meditation and ayurveda.

This is a completely youth-led initiative with young people from numerous organisations participating to turn this vision into a reality. Hindu Youth New Zealand is grateful for all the support from various Dharmic organisations, councils, temples and cultural groups who’ve extended their support and backed Aotearoa’s young people to make this event happen.

Dharma based traditions, cultures, knowledge systems and lifestyles have been welcomed throughout the world, examples include yoga and meditation/mindfulness. People often remark that when they come across these communities they see the beautiful diversity, vibrance, colour, festivity, joy and celebration of life. At DharmaFest, you will witness the celebration of 'Vibhinnatāyām Ekatvam' - Unity in Diversity.

“This is the first time a youth-led initiative like this is taking place, not just in New Zealand, but in the world” said Murali Krishna Magesan, President, Hindu Youth New Zealand, and Coordinator of DharmaFest.

“This is a significant moment for Aotearoa’s community cohesion efforts, and we are confident that this initiative will only grow from here” he added.

DharmaFest will have an official inauguration where leaders and representatives of various Dharma based organizations will do their respective prayers to mark the launch of this event. It will be a significant moment for New Zealand to witness such a gathering of leaders from numerous Dharma based organizations coming together for the betterment of New Zealand society.

During the event there will be workshops and demonstrations focusing on yoga, ayurveda, meditation as well as the arts. The event is a smoke-free, alcohol-free and meat-free event with the intent to celebrate the diverse culture while looking after the well-being of the community. Learn how to wear sari and turbans, get mehndi done, purchase clothing and jewellery and create art! And what would diverse cultures be without its unique food! There will be multiple food stalls where you can try out the amazing flavours.

Many individuals and organisations have been sharing beautiful aspects of Hindu/Dharmic culture with New Zealand, be it through the performing arts, crafts, science, food, clothing and indigenous knowledge systems.

“Our aim is to bring such diverse groups on the same platform so that the New Zealand public can have access to that knowledge and experience the diversity of Dharmic culture”, said Murali Krishna Magesan. “We are already seeing a lot of interest from the community and look forward to welcoming them soon!” he added.

To keep up to date with latest information about DharmaFest please follow the event on: https://facebook.com/events/s/dharmafest-2022/452841243348404/. Though many stalls have already been confirmed, if you or your organisation would like to participate in DharmaFest with a stall (arts/crafts, clothing/jewellery, ayurveda, organisation/temple, food etc.), please send an email to hinduyouth.newzealand@gmail.com with your expression of interest and our team will be in touch soon.

Hindu Youth New Zealand is a youth-led organisation that helps in developing young leaders in Aotearoa New Zealand. Through capability and capacity building initiatives, such as national conferences, workshops, webinars, cultural events, and mentorship programmes, young people are supported to reach their potential and have an opportunity to contribute to the wider New Zealand society.

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