On the occasion of the Prime Minister of India’s historic visit to New Zealand, the New Zealand Kannada Koota proudly showcased Karnataka’s rich cultural heritage at a grand Indian community event in Auckland’s Spark Arena. Over 10,000 members of the Indian diaspora attended the event, which featured cultural performances representing India’s diverse traditions. The New Zealand Kannada Koota’s four-minute presentation, titled ‘Kishkindha to Ayodhya: From Rama to Ram Lalla,’ beautifully portrayed Karnataka’s timeless contributions to Indian culture, mythology, and spirituality. The production began with the vibrant Yakshagana, bringing to life scenes from the Ramayana, and transitioned into dramatic stage sequences illustrating the epic journey. Colourful performances of Karnataka’s rich folk traditions, including Veeragase, Jogati Nritya, Kamsale, and the spirited Kodava dance, followed. The performance culminated with the energetic Chende Suttu, leaving the audience enthralled. The grand finale paid tribute to renowned Karnataka sculptor Arun Yogiraj, who sculpted the Ram Lalla idol installed at the Ayodhya Ram Mandir. Established in 1994, the New Zealand Kannada Koota 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 its President, Suhas Shanbhogue, the organisation has grown into a vibrant community of around 150 active Kannada families. The performance at Spark Arena was widely appreciated by the audience and stood out as a proud representation of Karnataka on the international stage.
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📰 Source: Mangalorean Gulf