AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND, August 8, 2022 (Media Release): New Zealand’s first ever DharmaFest, with the theme Vibhinnatāyām Ekatvam – Unity in Diversity, was launched at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre in Auckland by Hindu Youth New Zealand (HYNZ) on Sunday, 7th August 2022. The event started at 10.00am with the traditional welcoming of spiritual representatives from various Dharma groups followed by the lighting of the divya (lamp) to mark the auspicious beginning of DharmaFest. Mana whenua (Maori authority) of the region where DharmaFest was taking place, were acknowledged and with a karakia (Maori prayer) to begin of the event. Swami Tadananda from the Hindu community, Shri Rrahul Dosshi from the Jain community, Venerable Rewatha Thero from the Buddhist Community and Shri Manjit Singh from the Sikh community each recited traditional prayers from their tradition and blessed the proceedings for the day. It was a significant moment for New Zealand to witness such a gathering of leaders from numerous Dharma-based organizations, coming together for the betterment of New Zealand society.
Dharma-based traditions, cultures, knowledge systems and lifestyles have been welcomed throughout the world. Well known examples include yoga, meditation and mindfulness. Likewise, Dharmic communities, be it spiritual, cultural or service oriented, have been doing tremendous work and giving back not only to ethnic communities, but to the wider New Zealand society. Dharmic communities have played a key role in promoting pluralism and the respect for harmonious coexistence. DharmaFest provided an opportunity for Dharmic communities to come together, engage with each other and showcase their unique contributions to Aotearoa (Maori name for New Zealand). With the attendance of several Dharma-based groups, temples and spiritual organizations, the youth team leading this event were grateful and humbled by the support from the community. All participating organizations had an opportunity to showcase the beautiful dimensions of Dharmic culture and the contribution of this diverse community to the wider New Zealand society.
https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU2208/S00063/first-ever-dharmafest-receives-full-community-support.htm