Auckland’s diverse community is set to embrace the spirit of Vijayadashmi—also known as Dussehra—through an inclusive Utsav hosted by Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh NZ (HSSNZ) on Saturday, 4 October 2025. The event will be held at Auckland Normal Intermediate School, Mt Eden, with Dame Smt Ranjna Patel presiding as chief guest. This festival marks the triumph of good over evil, inviting families and friends to partake in timeless rituals, cultural performances, and collective inspiration.
Vijayadashmi: The Festival’s Significance
Vijayadashmi, one of the cornerstones of Hindu tradition, commemorates Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana and the return of righteousness to the world. Observed across India and celebrated by diaspora communities globally, Dussehra is a powerful affirmation of resilience, virtue, and the ongoing struggle against injustice.
In New Zealand, the Utsav becomes more than a religious festival—it is an occasion for reinforcing community solidarity, passing on values to younger generations, and forging meaningful cross-cultural bonds.
Event Details and Community Invitation
HSSNZ has invited all Aucklanders, irrespective of background, to join the festivities on 4 October from 4:00 to 5:30 PM. Guests are encouraged to arrive by 3:45 PM for a prompt start. The choice of venue—Auckland Normal Intermediate School—offers a welcoming, accessible environment in the heart of Mt Eden.
Dame Smt Ranjna Patel, renowned for her contributions to healthcare, business, and philanthropy, will address attendees, providing inspiration and reflecting on the festival’s deeper messages of service and perseverance.
Programme Highlights and Activities
The Utsav encompasses a structured programme designed to engage families, students, and community leaders:
- Ceremonial Opening: Rituals and prayers set an atmosphere of reverence and unity.
- Cultural Performances: Children and youth display the richness of Hindu tradition through music, drama, and dance, highlighting episodes from the Ramayana and celebrating values of courage and teamwork.
- Interactive Sessions: Guests reflect on Vijayadashmi’s contemporary relevance, exploring how its themes of tireless effort resonate with challenges faced by New Zealand’s multicultural society.
- Networking and Socialising: Attendees strengthen bonds and exchange ideas, reinforcing the sense of togetherness at the heart of the festival.
- Light Snacks: Following the Utsav, refreshments will be served, enhancing hospitality and allowing informal conversation.
HSSNZ emphasises participation, inclusion, and a safe space for children and elders alike.
The Message: Tireless Effort and Community Building
Central to this year’s Utsav is the theme “Let the tireless effort continue without pause,” reminding attendees that perseverance and collective action are keys to overcoming adversity—be it cultural, social, or personal.
Through speeches, stories, and shared experiences, the festival spotlights the vital role of community organisations in fostering resilience and service.
Cultural Continuity and Youth Involvement
A highlight of the Utsav is youth participation. By engaging children and students in performances, rituals, and discussion, HSSNZ ensures that cultural traditions are transmitted and creatively reinterpreted for new generations. Parents and teachers collaborate to make the event educational, enjoyable, and relevant, nurturing cultural identity and personal confidence.
Inclusivity and Social Harmony
Vijayadashmi Utsav is designed as a bridge between Auckland’s various communities. While rooted in Hindu tradition, its message of hope and justice resonates universally. The event welcomes all backgrounds, encouraging neighbours and newcomers to experience the depth and warmth of Indian heritage in Aotearoa.
Summary
Auckland’s Vijayadashmi Utsav offers a vibrant celebration of victory, perseverance, and communal goodwill. With inspiring leadership, youth engagement, and a commitment to inclusive tradition, HSSNZ’s festival stands as a beacon for unity and positive change—a scene where the tireless effort of countless individuals finds affirmation and new momentum for the future.