On the occasion of the Indian Prime Minister’s historic visit to New Zealand, the New Zealand Kannada Koota showcased Karnataka’s rich cultural heritage at a grand event in Auckland’s Spark Arena, attended by over 10,000 members of the Indian diaspora. The event featured cultural performances representing India’s diverse traditions, with the New Zealand Kannada Koota’s four-minute presentation being a major highlight. Titled ‘Kishkindha to Ayodhya: From Rama to Ram Lalla’, the production traced the journey from the Ramayana’s Kishkindha to the consecration of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya, featuring vibrant performances of Karnataka’s folk traditions, including Veeragase, Jogati Nritya, and Kodava dance. The performance culminated with the energetic Chende Suttu, leaving the audience enthralled. The grand finale paid tribute to Karnataka sculptor Arun Yogiraj, who sculpted the Ram Lalla idol installed at the Ayodhya Ram Mandir. The New Zealand Kannada Koota, established in 1994, is a non-profit community organisation dedicated to preserving and promoting the Kannada language, culture, and traditions among Kannadigas living in New Zealand. Under the leadership of President Suhas Shanbhogue, the organisation has grown into a vibrant community of around 150 active Kannada families, organising various cultural and literary programmes throughout the year. The performance at Spark Arena was widely appreciated, standing out as a proud representation of Karnataka on the international stage, and reaffirming the organisation’s commitment to preserving Kannada identity abroad.
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📰 Source: Mangalorean Gulf