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A vibrant celebration is set to take place on Wednesday at the Hindu Heritage Centre in Rotorua as the community comes together for two impactful events.

Neeta Bhushan, the High Commissioner of India to New Zealand, and Tania Tapsell, Mayor of Rotorua, will jointly launch a new community garden and sustainability initiative at the centre on Malfroy Rd.

The initiative, funded by a $12,000 grant from the Rotorua Lakes Council’s Community Matching Fund, aims to create a sustainable space for the local community, Hindu Council of New Zealand president Dr Guna Magesan said.

Tree stumps being removed to create the new garden. Photo / Supplied

It will include the construction of at least five raised garden beds and a rainwater harvesting system, which will feature a water tank that collects rainwater from the community hall’s roof.

“The garden will not only provide a space for growing fresh produce but also serve as an educational hub for sustainable gardening practices, fostering environmental stewardship and strengthening community ties,” Magesan said.

He expressed his gratitude for the support of the Rotorua Lakes Council.

“We are deeply thankful for their unwavering support of community-focused projects,” he said. “This initiative will bring together volunteers from Hindu and ethnic communities, as well as the wider Rotorua public, to create a meaningful and sustainable space that benefits all.”

Community garden manager Dr Julia Anne explains the project to volunteers. Photo / Supplied

Dr Julia Anne, manager of the community garden, encouraged local residents to participate in the upcoming working bee to help establish the garden.

“This project reflects our collective commitment to environmental care and the spirit of collaboration,” she said.

Following the garden launch, the Hindu Heritage Centre will host a community devotional gathering to mark the first anniversary of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Shri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. This sacred event, organised in partnership with the Hindu Organisations, Temples, and Associations (HOTA) Forum NZ, will honour the cultural, spiritual, and religious significance of the Shri Ram Mandir, a symbol of Bhagwan Ram’s timeless ideals and values.

Water pipes being installed for a rainwater harvesting system. Photo / Supplied

Magesan, who represented New Zealand at the inauguration of Shri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya last year, reflected on the event’s significance.

“Being one of only 7000 invitees among 1.4 billion Hindus worldwide was an incredible privilege and a true blessing. It feels appropriate to mark the first anniversary with such an event and share the experience.”

The HOTA Forum NZ, which unites more than 50 Hindu organisations, temples, and associations across the country, promotes collaboration and progress while embracing the Hindu philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, “the world is one family”.

The Hindu Heritage Centre invites the public to join the day of celebration, learning, and shared purpose.

“It is through collective effort and unity that we create lasting impacts for generations to come,” Magesan said.

Event details and programme highlights

Date: Wednesday, January 22

Location: 225 Malfroy Rd, Rotorua

Programme:

• Launch of Community Garden: 6pm-6.30pm
• Community Prayer Gathering: 6.30pm-7.45pm
• Lighting of the lamp
• Brief yoga session by Nilamani Wright
• Collective chanting of “Shri Rām Jai Rām Jai JaiRām” 108 times
• Bhajans, kirtans, and ārtis
• Short speech by Neeta Bhushan
• Vote of Thanks
• Lighting of Diyas: 7.45pm-8pm
• Participants are encouraged to bring an earthen lamp to light together.