More than 250 people gathered in Auckland’s New Lynn on 19 July to celebrate the annual Harela festival, hosted by the Uttarakhand Association of New Zealand.
Harela — which means “Day of Green” — is a vibrant celebration of nature, prosperity and renewal, deeply rooted in the culture and spirituality of Uttarakhand, a northern Indian state nestled in the Himalayas and often referred to as Dev Bhoomi or “Land of the Gods”.
Chetan Joshi, president of the association and a key figure behind its founding over a decade ago, said Harela was more than a harvest festival. “It is a celebration of renewal, prosperity and harmony with nature,” Joshi told RNZ.
“In Uttarakhand, it marks the onset of the monsoon, the sowing season and a spiritual reminder that our lives are deeply connected to the cycles of the Earth.”
He said the occasion, traditionally celebrated by planting saplings, blessing children for a prosperous future, and praying for environmental balance, has been embraced in New Zealand as a way to honour heritage while promoting sustainability and community unity.
“This festival helps keep the flame of rich Uttarakhandi traditions alive while also embracing the diversity and inclusivity that Aotearoa represents,” he added.
In India, Harela has both religious and agrarian connotations. Families often set up clay idols of Hindu god Shiva and goddess Parvati to mark their divine union and pray for a good harvest and environmental harmony.
Nancy Lu MP, who attended the celebrations, said, “This vibrant festival from India’s north celebrates nature, new beginnings, and harmony with the Earth — and tonight, it brought together delicious food, colourful music and dance, and a strong sense of community.”
“Events like this remind us how much New Zealand’s multicultural communities enrich our country — not just through traditions, but through connection, contribution, and shared celebration.”
Reflecting the festival’s green ethos, several tree-planting drives were held in Auckland as part of the celebrations. “Our communities have been celebrating this festival for at least the last 300 years,” Joshi said.
“Every year, here in New Zealand, the Indian community gathers at this time and renews its commitment to sustainable living, cultural preservation and community bonding.”
Members of the Bihar Jharkhand Association of New Zealand (BJANZ) were also proud to attend and take part in the vibrant Harela Utsav 2025. BJANZ women graced the stage with a beautiful cultural performance that received loud applause and admiration.
The Harela festival was not only embraced by the local Indian community but also attended by MPs Nancy Lu, Paulo Garcia, Melissa Lee, and community leaders Ash Parmar and Navtej Radhana, highlighting strong cross-cultural support.
With highlights like the Indian Food and Art Festival and the Mr and Ms Uttarakhand showcase presented by Rani Nalam of RANZ Financial Services, the event served as a vibrant reminder of how such celebrations foster regional unity and honour New Zealand’s multicultural heritage.
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