Hindu Heritage Month is a collaborative initiative of many Hindu organizations to raise awareness and celebrate the true ethos and culture of Hindu civilization.

Hindu Organisations, Temples and Associations (HOTA) Forum will be coordinating this by partnering with various organizations in New Zealand and is inviting all Dharma-based organizations across New Zealand to come together in October 2022 to showcase their contribution to New Zealand society and highlight the timeless wisdom and richness of Hindu civilization such as equality, inclusivity, social cohesion, hope, and happiness.

The concept of Hindu Heritage Month started in North America last year and following its success, it is now celebrated in many countries including New Zealand. 

“This is an opportunity to showcase the diversity and richness of Hindu civilization,” said Dr Guna Magesan, President, Hindu Council of New Zealand and Coordinator, Hindu Heritage Month New Zealand.

Each year, one of the HOTA Forum members becomes the Host, and leads and organizes the programmes. That means, every organization has an opportunity to lead this community development project. This year, the Host is Hindu Council of New Zealand.

The interesting thing about the month-long festivities is that there is no set programme or uniformity. Instead, each participating organization is free to do the programming of their choice. The event could be held in-house or public, could be religious, spiritual, or cultural. 

We realise that Hindu Temples, Organisations and Associations have their regular programmes or organise special programmes. We are requesting interested/ willing organisations to nominate one or two programmes happening in the month of October for the Hindu Heritage Month. If interested, please email [email protected] with your confirmation, name of the program, coordinator, and the date of the event.

Already we have enough interest from various groups. For example, Hindu Youth New Zealand will do a workshop on Leadership and Capability Development in Auckland. Dunedin Hindu Temple Society is contributing two events (Durga Puja and Diwali Mela) for Hindu Heritage Month.

Hindus represent one of the fastest-growing immigrant communities in New Zealand. It is a contributing community, backed by solid family structure and good education. The Hindu community is well integrated into New Zealand society, enriching it not only with outstanding professional contributions but also with its rich cultural heritage.

For more information, please contact:

Dr Guna Magesan, +64 21 0345621

Coordinator, Hindu Heritage Month New Zealand