tarana diwali paper 2011

SEPT/OCT 2011FREE

2 DIWALI IN NEW ZEALAND 2011

SPECIAL MESSAGES FOR DIWALI

DIWALI IN NEW ZEALAND RADIO TARANA: Advertising & Advertorials Surya 021 581 386, Krishna 0274 531 004, Ajeshni 021 961 386, Gopal 021 911 386.

Graphic Designer Parimal 021 160 6162. Radio Tarana, P.O. Box 5956, Wellesley St, Auckland. Phone 09 303 1386 Fax 09 303 3066. Website: www.tarana.co.nz

Understanding Diwali

I would like to wish you all a happy Diwali.

The Diwali festival of lights is a vibrant, entertaining, and unique celebration for New Zealand’s

Indian communities.

It’s a chance to recognise the growing contribution our Indian communities make to our culture,

our economy, and our success as a nation.

I value the strong relationship the National-led Government has with our Indian communities. We

are committed to ensuring your voice is heard at the highest levels of Government.

We are also continuing to work hard on the issues that matter to you – the economy, education,

health, and law and order. We are building a brighter future for all New Zealanders, so that this is

an even better place for you to live, work, and raise a family.

I hope you enjoy celebrating Diwali. Best wishes for the year ahead.

Rt. Hon John Key

Prime Minister of New Zealand

Rt. Hon John Key

The literal meaning of ‘Diwali’ in Sanskrit is‘a row of lamps’. The most popular traditionof Diwali is filling little clay lamps with oil andwick and lighting them in rows all over thehouse. Even today, the tradition projects therich and glorious past of our country andteaches us to uphold the true values of life.

Diwali has many legends and religiousaccounts associated with it. Lights and diyasare lit to signifying the driving away ofdarkness and ignorance, as well as theawakening of the light within ourselves. It isthe perfect time for family gatherings, foods,celebrations and pooja. Goddess Laxmiplays a major role in this festival, as do Ramand Sita. This autumn festival is a five-dayscelebration, of which each one has its ownsignificance.

People renovate and decorate theirhouses and business places. Entrances aremade colorful with lovely traditional motifs ofRangoli designs to welcome Laxmi, theGoddess of wealth and prosperity. Toindicate her long awaited arrival, smallfootprints are drawn with rice flour andvermilion powder (kumkum) all over the

houses. Lamps are kept burning all throughthe nights.

In order to welcome Goddess Laxmi,the house is kept clean and rangoli is drawnat the doorstep. A pandit is consulted for thebest time of puja. The general things neededfor a diwali puja are silver and gold coins,suparis, uncooked Rice, paan leaves,kumkum for applying tilak, mithaai (Indiansweets), camphor, agarbattis (incensesticks), dry fruit (almonds, cashews), flowerpetals and Lakshmi-Ganesh icon.

The pooja ritual is performed in theevening when tiny diyas of clay are lit todrive away the shadows of evil spirits.Bhajans are sung in praise of the goddessand sweets are offered to her. Diwali pujaconsists of a combined pooja of five deities:Ganesha is worshipped at the beginning ofevery auspicious act as Vighnaharta;Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped in herthree forms Mahalakshmi,the goddess ofwealth and money, Mahasaraswati, thegoddess of books and learning andMahakali. People also worship ‘Kuber’- thetreasurer of the gods.

Namaste, hello and best wishes to all.

It is my honour to wish you and your family a happy Diwali this year.

I want to thank Radio Tarana for being a key supporter of Diwali festivals around New Zealand.

Diwali is an important event for our whole community and its message about the triumph of good over

evil signifies the hope we all share about our future. Indian events, such as Diwali, Independence Day and

India’s National Day, are all celebrated and supported by the Auckland Council.

The last census said that 74,442 people in Auckland indentified themselves as Indian and the

community can be rightly proud of its economic, educational, cultural and sporting contributions

to the region. It is important that we recognise the positive contribution the Indian community

makes to our region and celebrate events such as Diwali.

I join with you in this celebration and wish you all the best.

Len Brown

Mayor of Auckland

Len Brown

Namaste. The Diwali Festival is a special time for the capital as we come alive with the ‘Festival of Lights’

and celebrate our unity as a city through the wonderful diversity of our people. Wellington is home to 85

ethnicities and standing prominently and proudly are the Indian communities.

There is so much to admire about Indian culture: The lavish colours and exquisite fabrics of traditional dress,

the love of dance, the mesmerising music, the ancient and traditional literature, Bollywood films and of

course Indian food is divine – they are all part of the rich and diverse tapestry from the Sub-continent that

we can all enjoy.

The Diwali Festival is a celebration of Indian cultures and it is also a recognition of the significant role the

Indian community plays in Wellington. Diwali has become a highlight on the calendar for all Wellingtonians

and an opportunity to learn from and appreciate each other.

To all our many friends who are involved in Diwali 2011, thank you and congratulations. Wellington is a

city that is inclusive, colourful, diverse and talented, and the 2011 Diwali Festival is a shining example of

that.

Celia Wade-Brown

Mayor of Wellington

Celia Wade-Brown

DIWALI IN NEW ZEALAND 2011 3

The Festival of Lights


Highlights at the Auckland and Wellington Diwali Festival 2011

A highlight of the 2011 Diwali Festival of Lights will be performances by richly

costumed dancers from India’s north eastern state of Manipur.

Manipuri dance is one of the six classical dance styles that India is famous for.

The unusual cylindrical skirts worn by female Manipuri dancers are said to be

modelled on one seen in a dream by a Maharaja who lived over 200 years ago.

The dancers’ colourful costumes also feature mirrors and zari embroidery

intricately woven into beautiful designs. On the head, covering the face, the female

dancers wear a transparent veil called an odhni.

Masters of dance from Manipur

Manipuri dance is devotional in nature and is known for its rounded movements,

delicacy and grace. Instruments, including cymbals and drums, are a key element.

The Manipur dancers will perform at the Diwali Festival of Lights at Aotea Square

in Auckland on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 October and in Wellington at the TSB

Bank Arena on Sunday 16 October 2011.

The J.N.Manipur Dance Academy has been brought to New Zealand with the supportof the Indian Council for Cultural Relations and the High Commission for India.

Children at this year’s Diwali Festival of Lights

are in for a special treat – they’ll see giant

shadow puppets from India.

The Chennai-based puppet company The Indian

Puppeteers will bring to life some of the best-loved

stories known by all Indian children.

Chief among them will be the tale of the brave

monkey king, Hanuman, who leads an army of

monkeys to rescue Lord Rama’s wife, Sita, from

the clutches of the ten-headed demon king Lord

Ravana.

The stories are based on the ancient epics

Ramayana and Mahabharatha.

The beautiful puppets made from parchment

leather range in size up to two metres high.

The award winning Indian Puppeteers company

has performed in many international puppet

festivals and on television in India.

They will perform at the Diwali Festival of Lights

at Aotea Square in Auckland on Saturday 8 and

Sunday 9 October and in Wellington at the TSB

Bank Arena on Sunday 16 October 2011.

The Indian Puppeteers have been brought toNew Zealand with the support of the IndianCouncil for Cultural Relations and the HighCommission for India.

SPECTACULAR SAND SCULPTURES

Indian sand artist Ranjan Ganguly will carve

some spectacular sculptures out of sand at this

year’s Diwali Festival of Lights.

Ranjan was born in the coastal town of Jagannath

Puri, in the state of Orissa. As a child he would

wander down to the beach with his friends and

use his imagination to carve out the images of

Indian gods and goddesses in the sand.

Sand sculpture was not a well known art in

India at the time, but by the time he reached

adulthood Ranjan had become very expert.

Determined to make his name, Ranjan started

exhibiting his skills around India, including at

the Desert Festival in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer.

Ranjan now describes himself as a National

Sand Artist and has exhibited internationally.

His hope is to open a sand sculpture institute

in India for the children of slum dwellers to

give them a means of making a living.

Ranjan’s sand sculpture will be exhibited at the

Diwali Festival of Lights at Aotea Square in

Auckland on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9

October and in Wellington at the TSB Bank

Arena on Sunday 16 October 2011.

Sand sculptor Ranjan Kumar Ganguly hasbeen brought to New Zealand with thesupport of Cathay Pacific.


SPECIAL MESSAGE FOR DIWALI FROM NATIONAL PARTY MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT

I am pleased to send my best wishes to the communities in New

Zealand who are celebrating Diwali.

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is observed right across the

world. It is a celebration of the victory of light over

darkness and good over evil. It is a time when the family is

at centre stage.

Diwali is a time, for reflection both on what has been achieved

in the past and our hopes and ambitions for the future.

This festival has another important role. It gives every one of

us a chance to reflect on the important contribution that our

Indian communities are making to New Zealand’s success. This

is something for us all to celebrate and be proud of.

With my best wishes at this special time.

Happy Diwali

Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi

National Party List MP

Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi

Diversity is what makes this city a dynamic and interesting place

to live. The Indian community play an important role in making

this country vibrant and they significantly contribute socially,

economically and culturally.

Diwali is an important festival in the Indian calendar. Its a time for

Indians to gather and celebrate the achievements of the past year

and look forward with hope to the year ahead. The values of

Diwali reflects reconciliation, peace and the triumph of good.

I would like to congratulate the organisers of the various Diwali

Festivals including the local councils, Asia NZ Foundation, Radio

Tarana, various Indian Associations, the many different sponsors

and the performing artists at all Diwali festivals.

It gives me great pleasure in wishing you a happy and prosperous

Diwali.

Melissa Lee

National Party List MP

Melissa Lee

The Diwali Festival of Lights is part of the cultural fabric of

our city and I am delighted to participate in what has become

an integral part of our festival calendar.

New Zealand’s Indian community has long established itself

as a culturally vibrant group and Diwali is an opportunity for

all Aucklanders to get together and celebrate our diverse

cultural traditions.

I have been privileged to attend the festival each year for three

years. Thousands of people attended the festival last year and

this year could be even bigger as we have many international

visitors in Auckland for the Rugby World Cup tournament.

Diwali is a special time for families and friends to celebrate

together. Diwali is India’s best loved festival and it is a time to

bring along the whole family to sample the colours, sounds,

tastes and spicy aromas of India.

The New Zealand Indian community are well known for their

strong work ethic and rich culture. I hope many Aucklanders

will turn out to this year to support the festival and share in this

wonderful celebration

Nikki Kaye

Member of Parliament for Auckland Central

Nikki Kaye

The annual festival of Diwali lights up our cities and towns every year.

This is always a great opportunity for us to experience the best of Indian culture first hand and I am

really looking forward to the upcoming Diwali festival celebrations in our Manurewa community.

The Diwali Festival of Lights symbolises the victory of righteousness, the triumph of light over darkness,

good over evil and the renewal of life. These are all excellent reasons to celebrate and give us a unique

chance to recognise the important contribution our Indian communities are making to Manurewa, the

Auckland region, and New Zealand as a whole.

New Zealand is an increasingly diverse and vibrant nation and Diwali is becoming a significant and

joyous occasion for people from all backgrounds across New Zealand.

The National-led Government encourages the contribution of all New Zealanders to the success of our

communities and our economy. We are working hard with you to secure a brighter future for your

family by making your communities safer, helping build a sustainable economy and improving

education and health for everyone. National values the strong relationship we have with our Indian

communities and we are working hard to ensure your voice is heard at the highest levels of Government.

I hope that you enjoy celebrating this occasion with your family and friends and I wish you all the best

during this joyous time!

Diwali Mubarak!

Dr Cam Calder

National MP based in Manurewa

Dr Cam Calder


SPECIAL MESSAGE FOR DIWALI FROM LABOUR PARTY MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, has long been celebrated as one

of the most important times of the year in the Indian community.

In New Zealand today it is also the opportunity for many others

of us in the wider community to join in to celebrate the culture

and traditions of India.

In a world which continues to face many problems, Diwali

carries an important message for all of us, the victory of light

over darkness symbolizing good prevailing over evil.

It signifies a new beginning and the renewal of life, and hope

for a better world.

I hope Diwali will bring joy to you and your families.

I look forward to Radio Tarana's Bollywood dance competition,

and enjoying the fashion shows, craft displays and wonderful food.

Thank you for the role that Radio Tarana plays and a big thanks

to the Indian community for the contribution it makes to the

richness, diversity and strength of our country.

Hon. Phil Goff

Leader of the Labour Party

Hon. Phil Goff

Radio Tarana has become synonymous with the celebration of Diwali

throughout New Zealand. I wish to thank Radio Tarana for helping

celebrate the joy of Diwali both for the Hindu communities as well as

the general population. Diwali has become an iconic celebration

reflective of the advanced stage of diversity that New Zealand has

reached in a relatively short period of time.

Diwali falls in a month that holds special significance for many eastern

communities. It follows Eid and Navratri. Diwali signifies new

beginnings and a sense of renewal.

To Radio Tarana listeners diwali ki shubh kaamnaaye aur naya saal

mubarak. I also want to acknowledge the families who will be marking

Diwali this year without some of their loved ones who have left us

during the year. This will be a sad time for you as your families gather

to mark this Diwali.

I want to acknowledge the enormous contribution that the Indian

communities make to New Zealand. Collectively you have become an

important and valued corner stone of New Zealand. In the years to

come our children and grandchildren will be an even more significant

part of this society.

I hope every family has a great Diwali season and I look forwarding to

the many functions that I will attend over the next three weeks or so

and to meeting as amany of you as possible.

Dr Rajen Prasad

Labour Member of Parliament

DEEPAWALI KI SHUBH KAAMNAAYE AAP SABHI KO

I want to wish each and every one of you a very happy Diwali.

This Festival of Lights is not only a major festival for Hindus

Buddhists and SIkhs, but it has come to symbolise the prominence

and vibrancy of the Indian communities in New Zealand.

Diwali celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness,

and the return of Ram, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and the eldest

son of King Dasharath of Ayodhya, from his 14-year exile with Sita

and Lakshman after killing the Ravan, illuminated by the people

of Ayodhya with earthen diyas and fireworks in celebration of the

return of their king.

For all New Zealanders it now also calls to mind the essential role

in our society that is played by Indian New Zealanders. Your

community is highly regarded for its hard work and contribution

to New Zealand, which is even more exciting as India regains

prominence on the world stage. We are fortunate to have a strong

and inclusive society where all can celebrate their heritage.

Happy Diwali to you all.

Hon David Cunliffe

MP for New Lynn

Labour Spokesperson on Finance

Hon David Cunliffe Dr Rajen Prasad

MESSAGE FOR DIWALI FROM ASIA:NZ FOUNDATION

Mubarak ho - Greetings

We at Asia New Zealand Foundation are delighted to support the tenth Diwali Festival of Lights at

Auckland’s Aotea Square and Centre.

This Festival provides the Indian community a wonderful opportunity to share the rich tastes and

much-loved cultural traditions - both customary and modern - with other Aucklanders of all ages

and their families. The Festival celebrates not only the traditions of Diwali, but the Indian culture as

a whole.

We are excited about the Festival and we know that it will further strengthen the friendship between

the local Indian communities, India and the people of Auckland. We wish the 2011 Diwali Festival

of Lights in Auckland all the best.

Dr Richard Grant

Executive Director

Dr Richard Grant


SPECIAL MESSAGE FOR DIWALI FROM OTHER POLITICAL LEADERS

Diwali is a very significant part of the lives of the Indian community in Auckland.

Auckland Council is proud to be able to support and allow the Indian Community to share with all

the people of Auckland this great occasion and festival that we can all and benefit from.

As one of your Councillors I say thank you for supporting me to represent you on this beautiful

city of ours.

Recently you would have witnessed the opening of the Wynyard Quarter, our new Extensions to

the Art Gallery, the Cloud and the waterfront development. The opening of the World Rugby Cup

gave us the opportunity to show the world who we are and our capabilities.

Come with us on the Auckland Plan for the next 30 years and share the fantastic ideas we have,

endorse them and tell us what else you would like to develop to make us the most liveable City in

the world.

Come with us on the journey

Arthur Anae

Auckland Councillor Manukau Ward

Arthur Anae

On behalf of the entire ACT Party, and in particular of

Pratima Nand, our candidate in the Roskill electorate, and

on behalf of my wife and me personally, I wish all your

many listeners a very joyful and happy Diwali.

Don Brash

Leader of the ACT Party

Don Brash Rt Hon. Winston Peters

Namaste.

Thank you for the invitation to share my best wishes at this special time.

Auckland is, I am proud to say, the most culturally diverse city in New Zealand; it gives me great pleasure

to support this year’s Diwali celebrations.

The festival of lights marks the beginning of the Hindu year; it’s a time for new beginnings and new

ventures. Many of you made that new beginning when you migrated to this country.

As someone who was born in another country and came to Aotearoa New Zealand during my childhood,

I have a personal appreciation for the challenges faced by new Kiwis. I also know the cultural richness

woven into the tapestry that is modern-day New Zealand.

Thank you Radio Tarana for the key role you continue to play in our media landscape.

I wish to all Aucklanders a very happy Diwali and a prosperous New Year.

Penny Hulse

Deputy Mayor - Auckland Council

Penny Hulse

Kia Ora and Namaste

As the leader of New Zealand First I wish you all the very best this deepawali and hope it brings joy and success to our homes. Diwali is the

time to worship, rejoice, to dispel any grievance and avoid basically becoming one. It’s a blessing that we reside in one of the world’s most

peaceful countries. New Zealand First always has respected other cultures and faiths, our very colourful multiracial team speaks for itself.

Because observing Diwali also means expressing gratitude and recognizing the imminent and transcendent reality, I think its right that as kiwis

we do not forget the lives lost at the Pike River disaster and the most destructive February Christchurch earthquake. New Zealand first pays

tribute to the lives lost and the families who have suffered.

In the last decade Diwali in New Zealand has created a special place within Kiwi life. It is evidence of how we have many people of different

cultures living here now.

I must take this opportunity to acknowledge the ongoing efforts of our Indo Kiwis in today’s society. Be it agriculture, retail, property, I.T, the

medical sector or the law society just to name a few, your contribution has been phenomenal. Radio Tarana has been serving the Indian

community for over 15 years. Robert Khan with his very capable and talented team as a result was recognised at the NZ Radio awards for

their fine contribution. I commend Robert Khan for his serious dedication and hard work.

New Zealand First wishes you have a blessed deepawali and may the New Year bring success. Happy Diwali.

Rt. Honourable Winston Peters

Leader of NZ First

SPECIAL MESSAGE FOR DIWALI FROM AUCKLAND COUNCILLORS


SPECIAL MESSAGE FOR DIWALI FROM THE ORGANISERS

On behalf of Radio Tarana, its management and team, I would like to

wish the Indian Community, and the people of Aotearoa, a Very Happy

Diwali and Prosperous New Year.

For 16 years Radio Tarana has worked with the community and

established a cohesive forum for the community to voice its issues and

establish its identity in New Zealand.

It is with pride that we present this free Diwali suppleme nt to the people

of New Zealand, along with four big Diwali events in Manukau,

Waitakere, Auckland and Wellington. These events would not be

possible but with the support of the councils (Auckland City, Wellington

City), ASIA:NZ Foundation, Waitakere Indian Association and

Manukau Indian Association, as well as you: the visitors to the events

who make it all possible.

I would also like to acknowlodge the Tarana Team for their hardwork

in making all the Diwali festivals successful.

Happy Diwali 2011

Robert Khan

Chief Executive Officer - Radio Tarana

Robert Khan

Namaste.

I would like to extend my best wishes to all Kiwi Indians on the occasion of Diwali.

This year’s Diwali Festival I am told will be bigger and better than ever - with an expanded

programme that brings more colour and diversity to one of Auckland’s much loved events.

We look forward to the festival’s traditional highlights including local and international performers,

a Bollywood dance competition, lantern workshops, authentic craft and food stalls as well as the

fireworks finale

The Diwali Festival plays an increasingly important role in proudly promoting Auckland’s diversity as,

together, Aucklanders work to make our home the world’s most liveable city.

Thank you to all the organisers, contributors and performers who have worked so hard to make

Diwali a highlight of our city calendar.

I wish all Kiwi Indians and indeed all my fellow Aucklanders a very happy Diwali and future

prosperity.

Mike Lee

Auckland Councillor

Mike Lee

Ranjna Patel

Diwali or Deepawali is certainly the biggest and the brightest of all Hindu

festivals. Also known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is celebrated by

Hindus all over the world. The governments and people of many countries

and cultures have embraced this vibrant and colourful festival of Diwali. The

essence of Diwali lies in the significance of victory of good over evil; and is

celebrated with passion and pride by lighting diyas that illuminate our homes

and our hearts. We find new reason and hope for our future.

On behalf Waitakere Indian Association, I wish extend our warm greetings of

Deepawali to one and all and pray to Almighty Lord to shower his divine blessings

upon everyone, May the Lord grant you peace and serenity and illuminate your

lives with happiness and prosperity. I would also like to pass on my Deepawali

greetings to Executive Committee members of WIA. WIA Trustees, WIA Senior’s

group, WIA Youth and Sports group and WIA Hindi School.

Furthermore, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Radio Tarana and

all our Sponsors for their continued support to Waitakere Indian Association

over many years. We appreciate the leadership role played by Radio Tarana

in supporting and promoting this festival in all major cities of New Zealand.

Happy Diwali!

Anand Naidu JP

President of Waitakere Indian Association

Anand Naidu JP

Since moving to Auckland a decade ago, I have enjoyed watching the growth of the Diwali Festival.

This year Auckland celebrates its 10th Diwali Festival which promises to be bigger and better than

ever, celebrating Indian culture with a weekend of non-stop entertainment.

Right in the middle of the Rugby World Cup tournament, Diwali celebrations in the central city from noon to

9pm on the 8th and 9th of October will attract huge numbers of Aucklanders and overseas visitors here for the

rugby. Entry is free to the Aotea Square and Aotea Centre. It will be a wonderful celebration of India’s best-loved

festival.

I understand Diwali symbolises the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil and the renewal of life.

What an uplifting message and philosophy. Auckland is one of the most multicultural cities in the world and

it too is enjoying a sense of renewal with the region now one city, and a lot of plans on the table for a positive

future.

I wish everyone involved every success with the 2011 Diwali Festival and also encourage you to take the

opportunity to get involved in the planning of Auckland’s future. As a relative new comer to Auckland, I

have never known a place so full of opportunities. Enjoy!

Cameron Brewer

Auckland Councillor for Orakei

Cameron Brewer

SPECIAL MESSAGE FOR DIWALI FROM AUCKLAND COUNCILLORS

Manukau Indian Associations wishes everyone a Happy Diwali and a

Happy and Prosperous New year

Diwali is a festival which has gained its popularity owing to the nature of

its celebrations. It has long been considered to have a religious significance

which is now lost in the universal feelings of goodness and joy which

envelop everyone on this day., much like Christmas . Of all traditional

Indian festivals, Diwali can be safely said to be the most widely accepted

and loved by the people of this country. It is one of those rare occasions

which give Indians a unique identity and we are able to share this with the

wider community.

One essential before the Diwali is a neat and clean house illuminated with

Diyas and candles welcoming Goddess Laxmi (goddess of wealth ) and

driving away evil spirits. Rangolis are drawn at the entrance and small

footprints with rice flour and vermilion are also drawn to indicate the long

awaited arrival of Goddess Lakshmi. Oil lamps are kept burning throughout

the night to guide Lakshmi after her secret arrival in the nighttime.

Come and celebrate Diwali and come and enjoy Rangoli at Telstra on 16

October from 12pm till late. Fireworks will be at 9.00pm before the

semifinal game with the All Blacks

Ranjna Patel

President of Manukau Indian Association



North India

According to the great Hindu epic‘Ramayana’, Diwali is believed to bethe time when Lord Rama defeated andkilled the evil King Ravana and afterpassing a period of fourteen years inexile returned to his capital Ayodhya (inthe Faizabad district of Uttar Pradesh)on a new moon day of the Kartikseason; with wife Sita and brotherLakshman. This homecoming of LordRama was celebrated with lights,fireworks, bursting of crackersaccompanied by much merriment. Thetradition continues to this day in thenorthern states of Uttar Pradesh,Punjab, Haryana, Bihar and thesurrounding areas where huge effigiesof Ravana are burned symbolizing LordRama's vanquishing of the demon king.

Kali. "Kali Puja" or the worship ofGoddess Kali is what makes thecelebration in this part of India a uniqueone. In Kolkata, the capital of the state,as well as in all the other parts of WestBengal, the nights of "Kali Puja" aremarked by high festivities that consistof activities similar to other regions likebursting crackers, holding dazzlingfireworks display, lighting rows ofcandles and diyas around individualhomes, painting colourful patterns atthe doorstep, dressing up in newclothes and paying a visit to friends andrelatives. Across the state, makeshiftstructures called pandals, (made ofmaterials such as bamboos, rope andcloth are erected) which house idols ofGoddess Kali for the two days ofcelebration. The actual worship of thedeity is, however, done only for onenight during this festival. It is alsobelieved that it is the night of the'Pitripurush' (ancestors) and lamps arelit on long poles to guide their souls onthis night. But the practice is morecommon in rural areas of Bengal thanin cities like Kolkata.

Western India

In the western states of India,Diwali is a four-day festival, thepreparations for which begin at least 15days in advance. The markets liven upalmost a whole month in advance forDiwali shoppers and the shoppingfrenzy peaks with the advancement ofthe occasion.

The Diwali night, in these areas, is anight of fireworks with sparklers andcrackers of all types burnt throughoutthe night. The idols of GoddessLakshmi, the symbol of wealth andprosperity and Lord Ganesha, theelephant-headed god, the symbol ofauspiciousness and wisdom, areworshipped in most Hindu homes onthis day. Most of the temples dedicatedto the worship of Lord Rama or Krishnacelebrate Diwali with great piety andeagerness.

Eastern India

In the eastern region of the country,Diwali is celebrated with great fanfare.In Orissa, oil lamps, candles andlanterns are lit and placed in rowsaround individual homes. Crackers are

burst, sparklers lighted and gifts andsweets distributed by people across thestate. The celebration here is almostlike anywhere in India save for oneritual that calls upon the spirits of thefamily's forefathers. A primitive customin this festival includes the burning ofjute stems to light up the dark path thatthe spirits of the ancestors supposedlytake to go back to heaven. Most of thehouses are brightly lit and the doorsand windows kept open to welcomeGoddess Lakshmi, who is supposed tovisit every home during this time and isbelieved to ignore all places that arekept dark and abandoned.

In West Bengal, Lakshmi puja iscelebrated earlier than the Diwalicelebrations and the deity celebratedon this occasion is the fierce Goddess

Celebrated with great excitement and grandeur, Diwali or Deepavali is one of the

prime Hindu festivals that unites the whole of India. Know about the different

ways in which this sparkling festival is celebrated in different parts of the country.

in IndiaDiwali



On the night preceding Diwali,Gujaratis start celebrations by creatingdesigns depicting images associated tothe festival like deities, sun and flowersfrom natural powder colours (called"Rangoli") in their verandas. Images ofsmall footprints are also drawn overindividual doorsteps which is supposedto be a way of inviting GoddessLakshmi to the house.

On the first day, Narakchaturdashi,fruits are smashed and crackers burstto symbolize the killing of the evildemon Narakasur. On Lakshmi Pujan,the second and most important day ofDiwali, Hindu homes all over thewestern region of India worship theidols of Lord Ganesh (deity ofauspiciousness and wisdom) andGoddess Lakshmi (deity of wealth andprosperity) or symbols of them like

thereafter pay a visit to the temple,get gifts of clothes and jewellery,savour the sweets reserved for themand receive blessings of elders for ahappy married life. In this joyfuloccasion the groom's parents andrelatives also come down to join inthe celebrations.

Rural India

In the rural regions of India, theDiwali celebrations, apart from all itsother significances, also stand in forharvest celebrations. In villagesacross the country, Diwali is the timethat farmers celebrate with joy andoffer praises to God for granting thema good crop. In the morning,multicoloured Rangoli or Kolamdesigns denoting shapes as thefootsteps of Goddess Lakshmi aredrawn at individual doorsteps andalso all over the houses to usher inwealth, fortune and prosperity. Idolsof Goddess Lakshmi and LordGanesha are worshipped in mostHindu homes on this day. At dusk,the real jubilations begin. Tinyearthen lamps and candles arearranged all over individual huts inrows and create a beautiful sight tobehold. People wear new clothes, burstfirecrackers and light sparklers, visit theplaces of their relatives and friends towish them on the occasion of Diwaliand exchange gifts. All this illuminationand fireworks, joy and festivity,symbolize the triumph of divine forcesover those of wickedness, or rather - ofgood over evil.

currency notes and gold. The third day,Padawa, is considered to be one of themost auspicious days of the year instates like Maharashtra, and is held tobe propitious for beginning anyimportant task. This is the day forshopping, lighting diyas (earthenlamps) and performing tilak ceremony.In Gujarat, this is the New Year daywhen people visit each other to wish anew beginning. Bhau Beej is the lastday of the festival that signifies sibling-bonding and the celebrations duringthis day is quite akin to Rakhi, anothergreat Indian festival standing for thebrother-sister relationship. UnlikeRaksha Bandhan however, which is aday dedicated to brothers, Bhau Beejis dedicated to sisters.

In Maharashtra, Diwali iscelebrated over a span of four days.The first day, Vasubaras, is

celebrated by performing an Aarti(prayer with songs) of the cow and itscalf- which represents the lovebetween a mother and her baby. Thenext day is Dhanatrayodashi orDhanteras, a special day fortradesmen and business people fornew account books are opened bythem after a worship of Lord Ganeshand Goddess Lakshmi. On the thirdday, Narakchaturdashi, people get upbefore sunrise and take a bath afterrubbing scented oil on their body.After this, the entire family visits atemple and offers prayers to theirGod. Following this, everyone feastson Faral, a special Diwali preparationconsisting of delicious sweets suchas "karanji" and "ladoo" as well assome spicy eatables like "chakli" and"sev". The fourth day is Lakshmi

pujan day, a new moon day, the darknight of which is illuminated by lampsand fireworks. In every household, anidol of Goddess Lakshmi and items ofwealth like currency and jewellery areworshipped. Friends, neighbours andrelatives are invited over andcelebrations are in full swing.

Southern India

In Southern India, Diwali iscelebrated in the Tamil month ofaipasi (thula month) 'narakachaturdasi' thithi, precedingamavasai. Naraka chaturdashi is themain day of the Diwali celebrations inthis area. The preparations begin theday before, when the oven iscleaned, smeared with lime, religioussymbols drawn on it and then filledwith water for the next day's oil bath.Individual homes are washed anddecorated with kolam designs (akinto rangoli patterns in North India).Firecrackers and new apparels arekept on a plate to be used on thefollowing day. On the morning ofNaraka chaturdashi, the actualcelebrations begin with an earlymorning oil bath before sunrise.Afterwards, sweets are partaken andnew clothes worn.

A unique Diwali custom in TamilNadu is the once-in-a-lifetime event,Thalai Deepavali, when newly wedsspend their first diwali after marriagein the bride's parental home. Thenewly married couple, after takingblessings from the elders, burst thefirst crackers of the day and



Sweets:

Sweets are traditional Diwali gifts and the

festival of lights is truly incomplete without a

generous helping of these sugary delights. Go

for single type of sweets or a mix pack

containing varieties of sweets. These days,

many shops offer custom made Diwali Sweets

in beautiful packs enveloped with gift

wrappers. In case you can't decide on any

other present, a big sweet pack will be just a

nice gift for your friends, relatives and

acquaintances.

Dry Fruits:

Like sweets, dry fruits too are a popular gift

item for Diwali. An irresistible delight, dry

fruits are thoroughly enjoyed during the

winter season that follows the festival close on

its heels. Dry Fruits Pack containing a mix of

several varieties of nuts, cashews, chestnuts,

almonds are easily available these days in

most gift shops and make for nice Diwali

Gifts. What's better, one can store these for

long periods of time and don't have to bother

about preserving them.

Diwali Apparel:

People love to receive new clothes on Diwali.

Like in most festivals, people love to celebrate

their happiness by dressing themselves up in

new clothes and want to give their loved ones

the same feeling. Keep in your mind the tastes

and preferences of the receiver of your gift,

and you can present him/her with traditional

Indian outfits or the latest designer clothes

from popular brands.

Diwali Diyas:

Diwali being the festival of lights, beautifully

painted Diyas (earthen lamps) of exquisite

designs are indispensable for the occasion.

They also stand as a symbol of fortune and are

believed to usher in prosperity to individual

homes. Present your loved ones with a set of

diyas on Diwali. They will love it for sure!

Diwali Candles:

Nicely decorated candles are great too.

These days, candles of various shapes,

colours and scents are available in the

market. Beautiful Diwali candles and

candleholders are pocket-friendly for you

and yet make lovely presents for your

friends and relations.

Diwali Greeting Cards:

This is the common but still highly popular

gift of Diwali.

Greeting Cards are a highly popular

gift for all occasions. In India they are

getting increasingly popular and used as a

secondary present that accompanies the

main gift item. Whatever your present is,

you would do well to send along a cool

Greeting Card with your Diwali gift.

Greeting Cards can be gifted to any person

of any age; put in a nice message to your

card expressing good wishes for the

recipient and make this Diwali a

memorable time for both of you.

Silver Gift Items:

One more traditional gift idea for

Diwali is handing over silver items.

Available in a wide range and exquisite

designs, silver items are a great hit for

Diwali and a favourite for aged people. The

festival being a religious occasion,

religious gift items made of silver like

silver coins with images of idols as

Lakshmi and Ganesh, puja thalis, small

silver showpieces and crockery items like

silver tea sets and utensils are quite popular

as Diwali Gifts. They also reflect your

wishes and prayers for the health and

fortune of the recipient and his/her family.

Decor Items:

Diwali is the time to decorate the house and

hence an appropriate time to present your

friends and relations with decorative items.

Diwali, the festival of lights, is also the

festival of gifts. One of the most celebrated

occasions in India, Diwali is associated

with fortune and prosperity, and hence, it is

the biggest gift giving and shopping

festival in India. Giving Gifts on Diwali is

an excellent way to strengthen relationships

with your near and dear ones. A present on

this occasion reflects the warm feelings of

the gift-giver and also the spirit of the

festival.

The popular tradition of exchanging

gifts on Diwali is an age-old custom tied in

with the festival and probably started with

the inception of Diwali itself. In olden

days, the simple rural people of India

whose occupation mostly consisted of

agriculture and cattle-rearing, used to

exchange homemade sweets, farm produce

or handcrafted decorative gifts among

themselves on Diwali.

Such presents were considered a token

of love and the warmth; and the good

wishes associated with the gifts mattered

more than the gifts themselves. With time

however, the tradition got more and more

complicated and gift-giving is not so

simple as it used to be earlier.

Today a lot of importance is given

today to the quality of the gift that one is

presented with not only on Diwali, but also

on other occasions. However, this

wonderful tradition is not wholly a

materialistic one and for a large section of

Indian people, gift-giving still stands as a

way of conveying love, respect,

thankfulness, appreciation and a sense of

belonging.

So you must pull out all the stops to

decide on the most appropriate gift for your

loved ones on Diwali. To assist you in your

quest, here we present you with some grand

gift ideas and suggestions. Go over these

and choose the best of Diwali presents and

gifts for your friends and near ones:

DIWALI

Gift your near and dear ones nice

decorative items to adorn their houses.

Popular decor gift items include paintings,

bric-a-bracs, show pieces, sculptures,

flower vases, Feng-Shui pieces and hanging

bells.

Stationery and Desk-top Items:

Stationery and Desk-top Gifts are also

fabulous items to present to your near ones

on Diwali. Preferred items in this category

include writing instruments, portfolio bags

and folders, time-pieces, reading lamps and

the like. You can gift these items to anyone,

including your colleagues, business

associates and even the boss.

Diwali Gift Hampers:

In case you wish to present a whole lot of

gift items, Diwali Gift Hampers are the

perfect way to do so. You may make your

own or go in for ready made Diwali Gift

Hampers which are readily available in the

market these days. Keep in mind the taste

of your recipient(s) and your budget before

you choose the gift hamper.

Other Popular Diwali Gifts:

Household gifts like kitchen gadgets,

chinaware and travelling bags; Gourmet

gift hampers consisting of mithais, dry

fruits, jams and sherbets; home appliances

like steam iron, juicers, toasters,

microwave, coffee makers and rice

cookers; electronic devices as mobile

handsets, iPods, digital cameras, handy-

cam, MP3 Players, DVD Players, PDA,

cordless phones, LCD TVs and laptops;

jewellers items like bracelets, rings, chains,

pendants, cufflinks, tie-pins and the like.

Giving is the only activity that makes you

richer just in the act of giving. So, give

with love and give with feeling. It will

come back ten-fold to you.



EasyCall Announces Sponsorshipof Diwali – Festival of Lights 2011

EasyCall, in association with RadioTarana and Asia NZ, has announcedsponsorship of Diwali – Festival ofLights 2011 celebrations in Waitakere,Auckland, Wellington and Manukau.

EasyCall sponsorship in 2011continues a long association withDiwali and Radio Tarana. EasyCall isproud of its long term involvement andis pleased to announce some greatnew offers in time for the DiwaliFestival 2011.

EasyCall’s fantastic rates for callsusing the local access number includeIndia at 5c per min, Pakistan &Bangladesh at 9c per min, Sri Lanka at18c per min and Fiji 29c per min!

And to celebrate Diwali, EasyCall isplease to announce the extension ofthe EasyCall Club Members promotion.EasyCall Club Members now receive20% extra free on website rechargesmade before January 31st 2012!

But it’s not just the rates and offers;there are many more reasons whyEasyCall is New Zealand’s favorite pre-paid phone card.

EasyCall also offers:• One Local Access Number

(01221)which can be used throughout NZ.

• Nationwide Convenience Access Number (01222) when calling frompayphones, hotels / motels or mobile phones.

• All rates include GST. • Rechargeable over the phone,

online or at retailer outlets across NZ.• Customer service available 24

hours a day, 7 days a week.• EasyCall Member features such

as AutoPIN and Speed dial.

EasyCall Pre-paid Phone Card a greatway to call friends and family to celebratethe Diwali Festival. For more information,the latest rates and full terms andconditions go to www.easycall.co.nz



Waitakere Indian Association (WIA) wasestablished in year 2000 to providecommunity services to the people ofAuckland. Over the past ten years WIA hasestablished itself as a credible communityorganisation and has formed sound workingrelationships with the local Maori, AucklandCouncil, various ethnic groups, NGO’s, localbusiness community and our Sponsors.

Waitakere Indian Association isregistered as a Charitable Trust and is aparticipant in The New Zealand DiversityAction Programme. Further-more, this yearwe extended our relationship with theChildren’s Commission and the RaceRelations Office.

As a parent body we support a numberof our affiliate groups including:• WIA Seniors Group• WIA Youth and Sports Group• WIA Hindi Language and Cultural group

In addition to this WIA donated fundstowards the Christchurch EarthquakeRelief Fund through Red Cross.

Events

We run a full events calendar during theyear with support from Radio Tarana andother Sponsors. Some of our events include:• Waitakere Diwali Mela

• Waitakere Holi Mela• Children’s Charity Concert run by the

WIA Hindi School• WIIA Social Nite• WIA GAZAL program

Last year Waitakere Indian Association wasone of the nominees for the New Zealander of theYear in the Community category.

WIA is run by an elected Executive Committeewith guidance from the Board of Trustees. WIAhas established sound workingrelationships with Auckland Council andmany other Communities in Auckland andtakes pride in working for families whileserving the community.

May we take this opportunity, on behalfof Waitakere Indian Association to wishyou all a very happy Diwali and aprosperous new year.From : Waitakere Indian Association Team

WAITAKERE INDIAN ASSOCIATION

The action packed HRV Cup T20 is backthis summer with the Aces heading into thecompetition as reigning champions. It’s aslightly later time slot from last season withthe competition starting on 18 Decemberand running through to the final on 22 Janwith ten rounds of high octane twenty20cricket in between.

Last season the weather put a bit of adampener on things but hopefully this timearound the Kiwi summer will kick inproperly and we’ll have a greatcompetition. The BLACKCAPS will beavailable for the entirety of the HRV Cupand we should see another bunch of highprofile overseas signings once again.

The Aces will be back at Colin MaidenPark in Glen Innes for all their homegames and it’s a wonderful place to watchcricket with all the things you need for agreat day out – something to eat,something to drink and stuff to keep thekids busy!

For all the info on games, tickets,players and more just go towww.aucklandcricket.co.nz

The Aces Summer of Cricket



Radio Starsspeak of their favourite thingsRadio stations are like newspaper offices – buzzing with activity, with presenters, programme hosts, scheduling staff, marketing

personnel and a host of others trying to make the best of every moment. In an industry where even microseconds matter, the stars

of the waves strive hard to keep their listeners informed and entertained, keeping their cool. They are hardly seen in public and

recognised, although their voice would give them away. They too have their tastes, preferences and lifestyles.

What are their likes and passions in life? We profile here the select, qualitative team of Radio Tarana as the arguably numero uno

of Indian Radio marks its 15th Birthday.

Ajeshni Raj Kumar

Place of Birth: Ba, Fiji Islands

Star Sign: Gemini

Favorite Actor: Amitabh Bachchan

Favorite Actress: Hema Malini

Favorite Movie: Hum Aapke Hai Kaun

My Passion: To create long-term and profitable

relationship with our customers

I would like to meet US president Barack Obama

Tarana is No 1 because it leads and others follow.

Tarana is No 1 in covering news, sports and event;

very informative and entertaining with a

professional talented team.

Tarana to me is my heart and soul

Azim Riaz

Place of Birth: New Delhi, India

Star Sign: Capricorn

Favourite Actors: Shah Rukh Khan, Saif Khan

Favourite Actresses: Rani Mukherjee, Katrina

Kaif, Kareena Kapoor, Tabu

Favourite Movies: Anand, Deewar, Dilwale

Dulhania Le Jayenge

My Passion: To reach the stars

My Biggest Weakness: Chocolates

I would like to meet all Tarana listeners

Tarana is No1 because it creates a musical magic

around us

Tarana to me is forever

Donna Young

Place of Birth: Palmerston North, NZ

Star Sign: Cancer

Favourite Movie: The Hangover (at the moment)

My Passion: Laughter, friendships, integrity, food

and relaxing bubble bath!

My Biggest Weakness: Being sensitive, messy,

time management

I would like to meet Britney Spears (to show her

some life skills and sort her out)

Tarana is No1 because it has great range of

announcers targeting all listeners, young and old and

because of its involvement with the community.

Tarana to me flexible, enjoyable and fun. Tarana

makes me feel like

Gopal Bhatia

Place of Birth: Khandala, Pune, India

Star Sign: Scorpio

Favourite Actors: Sanjeev Kumar, Amitabh

Bachchan

Favourite Actress: Rekha

Favourite Movies: Mousam, Aandhi, Abhiman

My Passion: Music

My Biggest Weakness: Never satisfied with my

achievements

I would like to meet Rekha

Tarana is No1 because we never compromise

on quality.

Tarana to me is my second home

Hemant Parikh

Place of Birth: India

Star Sign: Libra

Favourite Actors: Amitabh Bachchan, SRK

Favourite Actress: Priyanka Chopra

Favourite Movie: Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge

My Passion: Music and Movies

My Greatest Strength: My Smile

I would like to meet people who can help to

change the world

Tarana is No1 because it is blessed by thousands

of listeners

Tarana to me is like family, friend, child and

source of inspiration

Krishna Sharma

Place of Birth: Mumbai, India

Star Sign: Pisces

Favorite Actors: (the late) Gurudutt, Shah Rukh

Khan, Amitabh Bachchan

Favorite Actresses: (the late) Meenakumari,

Rekha, Madhuri Dixit, Aishwarya Rai

Favorite Movies: Kagaz Ke Phool, Upkaar, Kal

Ho Na Ho

My Passion: Media

My Biggest Weakness: Sweets

I would like to meet US president Barack Obama

Tarana is No 1 because of its innovative

programming and loyal listeners

Tarana to me is a place of innovation and motivation.

Linda Christiansen

Place of Birth: Otematata New Zealand

Star Sign: Aries

Favourite Actors: Leonardo Dicaprio, Richard Gere

Favourite Actresses: Both my daughters, who are

absolute Drama Queens

Favourite Movies: Forrest Gump

My Passion: Life

My Greatest Strength: My daughters, who keep

me at level

I would like to meet a very rich, single man

Tarana is No1: Because we have quality announcers,

quality ads, quality clients and quality listeners

Tarana to me is my family away from home!

Mehak Vashist


Start Sign: Sagittarius

Favourite Actor: Amir Khan

Favourite Actress: Madhuri Dixit

Favourite Movies:All comic entertainers, especially

Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron and Chashme Baddoor

My Passion: My career and healthy living

My Biggest Weakness: Yummy vegetarian

cuisine from various parts of the world

I would like to meet A R Rahman

Tarana is No 1 because every day, we discuss

how to get better

Tarana to me is my home away from home

Mona


Star Sign: Gemini

Favourite Actors: Salman Khan, Shahid Kapoor,

John Abraham

Favourite Actresses: Katrina Kaif, Kareena

Kapoor, Kajol, Rani Mukherjee

Favourite Movies: Hum App Ke Hai Kaun; any

movie that has comedy, action, romance

My Passion: Reading, having Fun, meeting new

people and making friends

Tarana is No1 because it connects people with

their heritage through entertainment

Tarana to me is a great way to express my

thoughts and reach the wider community

Neha

Place of Birth: Tripoli, Libya

Star Sign: Gemini

Favourite Actors: Shahid Kapoor, Ranbir Kapoor,

John Abraham, SRK, Abhishek Bachchan.

Favourite Actresses: Preity Zinta, Priyanka Chopra.

Favourite Movies: Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge,

Dil Chahta Hai, Rang De Basanti.

My Passion: Music

I would like to meet the hottest and the richest

bachelor in the world!

Tarana is No1 because it has a great team

Tarana to me is my nephew as I consider Robert

Khan my elder brother and Tarana is his baby

Nirmal Jit Singh Gahunia

Place of Birth: Punjab, India

Star Sign: Leo

Favorite Actors: Amitabh Bachchan, SRK

Favorite Actresses: Rekha, Hema Malini,

Madhuri Dixit, Katrina Kaif

Favorite Movies: Humraaz (old), Legend of

Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Singh Is King

My Passion: Broadcasting

I would like to meet India’s prime minister Dr

Manmohan Singh

Tarana to me is a privilege of association since it

went to air in 1995.

Dr Parmjeet Parmar


Star Sign: Leo

Favourite Actor: Akshay Kumar

Favourite Actress: Kareena Kapoor

Favourite Movies: Not sure; keeps changing

My Passion: To be a great person always!

My Greatest Strength: My strong will power

My Biggest Weakness: I get easily bored

I would like to meet all of you!

Tarana is No1 because we always work hard to

meet your expectations and value your views and

suggestions



Pawan Prasad

Place of Birth: Nausori, Fiji Islands

Star Sign: Taurus

Favourite Actor: Amitabh Bachchan

Favourite Actress: Madhuri Dixit

Favourite Movie: Devdas

My Passion: Radio

My Greatest Strength: Honesty

My Biggest Weakness: Emotions

I would like to meet singer Lata Mangeshkar and

US president Barack Obama

Tarana is No1 because we believe in quality

Tarana to me is my second home

Manish

Place of Birth: Ludhiana

Fav Actor: Ranbir Kapoor

Fav Actress: Madhu Bala

Fav Movie: Andaaz Apna Apna

My Passion: Music

Strength: Dedication towards work

Weakness: Nothing

Who would i like to meet: Amitabh and Sachin

Tendulkar

Tarana is number 1 because: its the best

entertainment provider in the world

Tarana to me: Everything

Robert Khan

Place of Birth: Suva, Fiji Islands


Favorite Actors: Salman, Sharukh, Amir Khan,

Amitabh Bachchan, Dev Anand, Guru Dutt.

Favorite Actresses: Aishwarya Rai, Kajol

Favorite Movies: Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge

My Passion: My family and the Warriors.

I would like to meet US president Barack Obama.

Tarana is No 1 because of its loyal Listeners, quality

and original programming, professional announcers with

superior command of languages and gr eat teamwork.

Tarana to me is a popular world renowned brand and

the first ethnic radio station to break into mainstream NZ

radio market with 4.9% share, making me a proud father.

Roopa Suchdev


Star Sign: Sagittarius


Favourite Actresses: Meena Kumari, Vidya Balan

Favourite Movie: Guide

My Passion: My work and helping others

My Greatest Strength: Love

My Biggest Weakness: Inability to say ‘No’

I would like to meet people who are kind to

others and respect others feelings

Tarana is No1 because it caters to everyone and a

friend available 24/7

Tarana to me is my baby

Saagar

Place of Birth: Suva, Fiji


Favourite Actors: Amitabh Bachchan, SRK

Favourite Actresses: Kajol, Karisma Kapoor, Sri Devi

Favourite Movies:Kal Ho Na Ho and Comedy Movies

My Passion: Music and movies

My Greatest Strength: My family, friends and

new challenges

I would like to meet Jim Carrey, Amitabh Bachchan

Tarana is No1 because it has the best programmes

with the best team of announcers and above all because

our listeners give us unconditional love and affection

Tarana to me is my dream come true

Sangeeta Mani

Place of Birth: Tavua, Fiji

Favourite Actors: Jeetendra, Akshay Kumar

Favourite Actresses: Madhuri Dixit, Rani

Mukherjee

Favourite Movies: Chori Chori, Dhadkan

My Passion: My job

My Greatest Strength: My listeners

My Biggest Weakness: Pain

I would like to meet Mithun Chakraborty

Tarana is No 1 because all presenters are treated

as No1 staff

Tarana to me is as much my radio station as it

is yours

Sanjesh Narain

Place of Birth: Lautoka, Fiji Islands

Star Sign: Libra


Favourite Actress: Kajol

Favourite Movie: Sholay

My Passion: To broadcast the best news and to be

a good radio journalist

My Greatest Strength: Strong will power

My Biggest Weakness: None

I would like to meet Satya Sri Sai Baba

Tarana is No1 because it is peoples’ No 1 choice

Tarana to me is a platform to enhance my skills

in Journalism

Sapna

Place of Birth: Sugar City, Fiji Islands

Star Sign: Aquarius

Favourite Actor: SRK, Arjun Rampal, Saif Ali Khan

Favourite Actress: Rani Mukherjee, Waheeda Rehman

Favourite Movie: Love Aaj Kal. Guide

My Passion: Music

My Greatest Strength: My down to earth personality

I would like to meet Amitabh Bachchan, SRK

Tarana is No 1 because it places listeners first; it

is genuine, professional and provides the best

source of entertainment

Tarana to me is my second Home

Satend Sharma

Place of Birth: Suva, Fiji Islands

Star Sign: Scorpio

Favorite Actors: Sadashiv Amrapurkar, Ranjeet

Favorite Actresses: Preity Zinta, Tun Tun

Favorite Movies: All serious movies

My Passion: My talent

My Greatest Strength: My family

My Biggest Weakness: My emotions

I would like to meet God

Tarana is No 1 because it provides complete

entertainment to all age groups

Tarana to me is the best Hindi radio station in the

world

Shalend Sharma

Place of Birth: Fiji

Star Sign: Pisces

Favourite Actors: Ajay Devgan, Sanjay Dutt

Favourite Actresses: All the popular stars

Favourite Movies: All comedy and action films

My Passion: My work

My Biggest Strength: My confidence

My Biggest Weakness: Beauty

I would like to meet all my fans!

Tarana is No1 because we have the best of the

talent from all over the world

Tarana to me is a powerhouse of 100%

entertainment

Surya Patel

Place of Birth: Suva, Fiji

Star Sign: Cancer


Favourite Actress: (the late) Smita Patil

Favourite Movie: Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge

My Passion: Tarana

My Biggest Strength: Got Tarana where it is now

My Biggest Weakness: Placing myself on last

priority

I would like to meet US president Barrack Obama

Tarana is No 1 because of our hard work and efforts

Tarana to me is my Strength

Salmeen Khan

Place of Birth: Lautoka, Fiji

Star Sign: Aries

Favorite Actors: Amitabh Bachchan, Ritesh

Deshmuk

Favorite Actresses: Rani Mukerji,Tulip Joshi

Favorite Movies: Hera Pheri, Aawara Paagal

Deewana

My Passion: Do my best in my profession

I would like to meet US president Barack Obama.

Tarana is No 1because everyone loves it !

Tarana to me is family

Jeff Khan

Place of Birth: Labasa, Fiji

Star Sign: Aries

Favourite actors: Amitabh Bachchan

Favourite actresses: Hema Malini

My Hobbies: Listing, Music, Billiard, Cooking

My Passion: Broadcasting

Tarana to me is family

Message: Zindagi Ka Dusra Naam Hai Sancha Se

Jaari Rakhiye


Tarana 16th Anniversary

a satisfied customer.Radio Tarana is a good medium foradvertisers who want value for money.Paramjit Dhatt, General Manager

RK Cars

Pranesh Raniga, Managing Director ofR K Cars says advertising on RadioTarana has “worked extremely well” forhim over the past three years. “We haveto announce the arrival of freshconsignments of vehicles from time totime and speaking to customers throughthis Radio Station has been veryeffective. Tarana provides us immediateaccess to reach our customers,” he said.

Vision Asia (NZ) Ltd

We have beenusing RadioTarana as ourprimary mediumof advertising andwe haveexperienced verygood response. The Radio Station

has taken giant strides and today it isseen as a major entertainment provider inthe South Asian Media Space in NewZealand.

The people at Tarana are alsowonderful to deal with; they are alwaysfriendly and helpful in reaching our targetaudience. Gurudutt Satigrama, General Manager

Travel 2000 Limited

Theiradvertisement hasa touch ofhumour, attractingthe attention oflisteners. Over theyears, RadioTarana hasbecome the most

effective means of communication for‘Travel 2000 Limited.’ Says ConsultantSunny Anand: “No other radio stationenables us to reach the Indian communitylike Tarana does. The ethniccommunities, comprising people of Indianorigin, Pakistanis and Bangladeshis areour core market. We are extremelypleased with the results that we get fromthis radio station,” he said.

Never a dull moment with TaranaSixteen years provide sufficient time for

advertisers to assess the impact of using

a medium to reach out to their target

audience. On that score, Radio Tarana has

been a significant partner to hundreds of

companies, community groups and event

organisers to product their products,

services and programmes. They believe

that advertising is an essential tool and

that Radio Tarana enhances the value of

their products and services.

Following are some of the messages

Radio Tarana received on its entry into

16th year of operations.

Bikanervala Restaurant

I have foundRadio Tarana aneffective means ofcommunicating ourextensive range ofsweets andsavouries. WhileBikanervalaRestaurant in Mt

Roskill and the new store in Papatoetoedate back only a few years, my associationwith Radio Tarana began in 1997 when itsteam was entertained at my newly opened‘Kingfisher Restaurant,’ now known as ‘NewDelhi Restaurant.’ Since then, I have hadclose interaction with several Taranapersonalities.

The quality of programmes hasimproved tremendously. Commercials,news, talkback and community programmesare all of high standard.

Today, it is undoubtedly the NumberOne Hindi Radio in New Zealand. It is hardto imagine what we would be doing withoutTarana today.Ashok Sharma, Managing Director

Brownsons Jewellers

The service of Radio Tarana to thepublic at large has been second to none,with the team thriving for excellence. Theresults speak for themselves, in the industryratings. Keep up this good work. Radio Tarana is the voice of the entireIndian Community. It is informative,educational and entertaining; it is anundisputable business marketing tool. We at Brownsons Jewellers and Memsaabare proud to have affiliation with the RadioTarana Team. Congratulations on reachingthe 16th year.Jay Raniga, Director

Global Financial Services Limited

Advertising is apowerful mediumthat can reachacross hundreds ofthousands of peopleand Radio Taranahas been one of themost effectivechannels for us over

the years. Radio advertising has to be crispand yet cover the major aspects of acommercial entity, especially in the serviceindustry.

I have always considered advertising onRadio Tarana as one of the most importantaspects of marketing and businessdevelopment.

Our association with Radio Tarana hasbeen productive and mutually rewarding and Iwish the radio station all success in the yearsto come. We are proud to have forged a closerelationship with the Tarana team.Ajay Kumar, Managing Director

Golian Group

I take thisopportunity insending oursincere greetingsand good wishes toRadio Tarana on its16th Year ofoperations.Golian Consultants

Ltd and Golian Legal have both beenassociated with Radio Tarana since itsinception.

Radio Tarana as an ethnic medium hasplayed a fundamental role in promulgatingIndian culture, language and music. Aboveall, it has provided a variety of religiousprogrammes and discourses and fosteredtogetherness within the multicultural,multiethnic and multi-religious communities.I compliment this radio station for itsinvaluable contribution in inculcating thesocial and moral responsibilities on allethnic listeners, regardless of their countryof birth or origin.

I also take this opportunity to commendRadio Tarana and its management fordischarging its duties cautiously andimpartially as a media facilitator and implorethat it continues to do so in the best interestof the community and New Zealand, thecountry we have all made our home. Harnam Golian, Chasers Food Co Ltd,Golian Consultants Ltd, Golian

Kaysons Limited

I cannot imagine a day without tuning intoRadio Tarana and without advertising whatwe have to offer our esteemed clients.Indeed, as a customer and a listener, thisRadio Station makes my day. Ourassociation with this Radio Station began12 years ago and since then we havealways considered this medium as the mostsignificant to reach our customers. RadioTarana offers instant channel ofcommunication. I wish Robert Khan and hisstaff continued success.Yeshwant Solanki, Managing Director

Nando’s Restaurants

My association with Robert Khan goes backbeyond the 16 years he has been withRadio Tarana. I still have memories of thedays we had to rely on half-hour bulletins onAccess Radio every Saturday to listen to aHindi programme!

Radio Tarana changed that situationand it has given me great pleasure to seethe station grow nationally andinternationally over the years.

We have used this radio station forannouncing offers, achievements andcelebrations. These have generatedsubstantial interest from a wide section ofthe community in a consistent andprofessional manner.When we launched Nando’s Sylvia Park, re-launched Nando’s Botany a few years agoand most recently Nando’s CourtenayPlace and Nando’s Queensgate outlets inWellington, we chose Radio Tarana to makethe announcements.Congratulations to the Tarana Team.Dinesh Prasad, Director

Flatbush SuperValue

Radio Tarana hasgiven us verygood exposure inthe Indiancommunity. It waswith the help ofthis radio stationthat weintroduced a

Department for Indian Food items in ourSupermarket.

I must say that the service wereceived from Tarana through BusinessDevelopment & International AlliancesManager Krishna Sharma was excellent.He keeps in regular contact with ourcompany and ensures that we are always



Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, is themost popular of all the festivals from SouthAsia, and is also the occasion forcelebrations by Jains and Sikhs as well asHindus.

The festival celebrates the victory of goodover evil, light over darkness, and knowledgeover ignorance, although the actual legendsthat go with the festival are different indifferent parts of India.

In a recent editorial, the Times of Indiasummed up the modern meaning of Diwali:"Regardless of the mythological explanationone prefers, what the festival of lights reallystands for today is a reaffirmation of hope, arenewed commitment to friendship andgoodwill, and a religiously sanctionedcelebration of the simple — and some not sosimple — joys of life."

The name of the festival comes from theSanskrit word dipavali, meaning row of lights.Diwali is known as the 'festival of lights'because houses, shops, and public placesare decorated with small earthenware oillamps called Diyas. These lamps, which aretraditionally fueled by mustard oil, are placedin rows in windows, doors and outsidebuildings to decorate them.

The lamps are lit to help the goddessLakshmi find her way into people's homes.They also celebrate the return of Rama andSita to Rama's kingdom of Ayodhya afterfourteen years of exile.

Fireworks are also a big part of the Diwalicelebrations, although in recent years therehas been a move against them because ofnoise and atmospheric pollution and thenumber of accidental deaths and injuries.

Gifts

Like Christmas in the West, Diwali is verymuch a time for buying and exchanging gifts.Traditionally sweets and dried fruit were verycommon gifts to exchange, but the festivalhas become a time for serious shopping,leading to anxiety that commercialism iseroding the spiritual side of the festival.

In most years shopkeepers expect salesto rise substantially in the weeks before thefestival. Diwali is also a traditional time toredecorate homes and buy new clothes.

New Zealand is the most culturallydiverse country and Diwali has beenembraced by one & all as a festive event.

Diwali has gained a national importancein New Zealand and is being celebrated in all

MANUKAU DIWALI FESTIVALmajor towns as well as in the Parliament We,at Manukau Indian Association, prideourselves with organising a grand Diwalievent every year in Manukau. We bring thecommunities together and provide a platformfor our young artists to perform. This alsoallows us to work with other organisations.

The event started as a concert few yearsago but now is a full fledged program of 7-8hours. There are multiple food & craft stalls

of various ethnicities for people to shop at.The cultural program has been rated as oneof the finest in recent years

This year the Diwali event at Manukau isspecially important as it will be celebrated atTelstra Event centre on 16th October, the dayof Semi Finals of Rugby world cup

“The night is black, k indle the lamp of love, with thy life and devotion."


Radio Tarana with PM John Key in India

I am proud to have covered Prime MinisterJohn Key’s state visit to India in June 2011for Radio Tarana and its tens of thousands oflisteners. The Prime Minister John Key’sstate visit to India from the 26th – 30th Juneat the invitation of India’s Prime Minister Dr.Manmohan Singh was very productive,successful and eventful. During the visit itwas perceptible that the two nations shareda great bond and that India has a great foundrespect for New Zealand. I was privileged tobe part of media delegation on previousPrime Minister’s state visit to India too in2004. Prime Minister John Key wasaccompanied with the Minister of Trade, HonTim Groser and Mr Kanwaljit Bakshi Memberof Parliament and a high-level businessdelegation. The main objective of the PrimeMinister’s visit was to strengthen NewZealand’s relationship with India andadvance New Zealand’s trade and economicinterest with India. This included free tradeagreement negotiations, announcinginitiatives on closer India-New Zealandcooperation in some specific areas of thebilateral relationship and also to providesupport for the accompanying businessdelegation of 28 -mostly CEOs and Directors- through involvement in key meetings in theirprogramme.

To make New Zealand’s presence in Indiafelt even stronger, former Black Cap’sCaptain and Chennai Super King’s CoachStephen Fleming was invited by the PrimeMinister to join the visit due to his strongconnections with India and New Zealand’sand India’s strong love for cricket.

The Prime Minister and his delegatesarrived in Delhi on the evening of 26 June2011 to be warmly welcomed bytemperatures of 35 °C, thanks to the arrivalof the monsoon. The Prime Minister’s threeday trip started with a visit to the Taj Mahal.Prime Minister Key was amazed by theimpressive marvels of the Taj Mahal on hisfirst encounter with this world wonder.

After the great excitement of visiting the

Taj Mahal, the official state welcome, Guardof Honour for Prime Minister Key and MrsKey was greatly looked forward to but thatexcitement got washed by the rain andinstead the official welcome by India’s PrimeMinister Manmohan Singh and Mrs Singhtook place indoors at the RashtrapatiBhavan. After the official state welcomePrime Minister Key had meetings with manysenior political leaders. The Centre-pieceEngagement was in the evening at Hydrabadhouse – formal bilateral meeting of PrimeMinister Key with Prime Minister Singh.

The Prime Minister of New Zealand andIndia welcomed the increased trade andinvestment flows between India and NewZealand and noted the potential to expandbilateral trade significantly. Building onexisting film industry links, an Agreement onAudio-Visual Co-Production was signed inthe presence of the two Prime Ministers. Anew Education Cooperation jointly-fundedInitiative worth NZ$ 1 million annually wasannounced by the two Prime Ministers. Thetwo Leaders acknowledged the goodcooperation developing in the civil aviation

Rt Hon John Key’s State Visit to India

sector. Prime Minister Key announced thatNew Zealand will appoint a Defence Adviserto India to better facilitate defence links. BothPrime Ministers strongly condemned allforms of terrorism.

Prime Minister Key announced thesupport of New Zealand for India’smembership in a reformed United NationsSecurity Council, including in any expansionof permanent membership.

The two Leaders agreed to work togethertowards building stronger sporting ties betweenthe two countries as a means to promotingstronger people-to people links. Prime MinisterKey announced a new sports scholarship andan academic exchange programme betweenIndia and New Zealand. The programme willinclude a number of scholarships for Indianstudents to study sports qualifications in NewZealand universities. During thisannouncement at Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium hewas joined by Stephen Fleming, and studentsfrom the Asha Foundation- an NGO workingwith slum children. Prime Minister Key thenplayed cricket with these children from theFoundation.

Prime Minister Key had his own schedulewhich was different from the business delegationbut Prime Minister attended a main businessmeeting which was addressed by Prime MinisterKey and India’s Commerce Minister Mr AnandSharma along with others. India’s MinisterSharma stated that India is not short of productionbut it is the post-harvest waste for which theywould like to benefit from the state-of -arttechnology of New Zealand as part of the freetrade deal between New Zealand and India alongwith various other fields. While in Delhi, PrimeMinister Key witnessed signing of twomemorandums of understanding. Finzsoftsolutions signed an agreement with HCLTechnologies and Medtech Global signed anagreement with Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute.

During the 3rd day in India while in MumbaiPrime Minister Key announced Indianbusinessman and Member of Parliament VijayMallya to be the next recipient of the Sir EdmundHillary Fellowship. Vijay Mallya follows RahulGandhi who was the recipient of the inaugural SirEdmund Hilary Fellowship in 2010.

While in Mumbai, Prime Minister Key paidtribute to the people who were killed in theNovember 2008 terrorist attacks.

Prime Minister Key’s visit to the sets of Abbas-Mustan’s upcoming film Players was a greatsubject of discussion in India. Prime Minister Keygave a customary clap for a shooting of a pretendscene depicted from the movie which wasenacted by Bipasha Basu and AbhishekBachchan.

The main focus of Prime Minister Key’s visitwas to get a step closer in having a quality freetrade agreement with India. The relationshipsestablished in the areas of technology, defence,tourism, film co-production and education duringhis visit was a giant step forward. India is theworld’s second emerging superpower and PrimeMinister Key’s state visit to India and his meetingswith all playing important role in India’s upperpolitical hierarchy is a clear indication ofstrengthening of relationship both sides say holdsgreat promise. However, there are someimportant negotiations that still need to be finishedas the interests of the two countries will not alwaysconcur before the Free Trade Agreement issigned within the agreed time frame.

By Dr Parmjeet ParmarRadio Tarana

PM with Bollywood stars.PM playing cricket at Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium.

PM Key and PM Singh at Hydrabad House


Diwali with the Stars

DIWALI BOLLYWOODHow do some of the bollywood starscelebrate their diwali? These are theircomments:

In Bollywood the film stars and film dignitaries have their own way of celebrating diwali, the festivalof lights. The actors and actresses celebrate the occasion with great pomp and show that includesdecorating their homes with bright coloured lights and coming to their balconies from time to time togreet their fans who wait outside to catch a glimpse of them. The stars shower blessings to theirfans and call out to wish them a happy time for the occasion and a blissful life for the future. Thestars who commonly indulge in this tradition are Shahrukh Khan, Salman Khan, Amitabh Bachchan,Dharmendra and others.

Akshay Kumar: I will celebrate it with myfamily and do pooja in my house for thegood of my family, fans and friends.

Kangana Ranaut: I plan to celebrate diwaliwith my sister and parents and some closefriends who will come to visit us. It will be aquiet family affair. We will definitely decoratethe house and light it up with lamps. I will try todo rangolis in my house.

Bipasha Basu: The festival of light is a special occasion for me and I always look forward toit. This year it will be no different. I will celebrate it at my home. My intimate friends andrelatives, including John Abraham will be present. Diwali is a heart warming occasion for meand in every sense I prefer to keep it a simple, traditional and cohesive get-together for me.

Salman Khan: It is a great occasion forme, my family, fans and friends. Pooja isorganised in my home and after that wecelebrate the occasion with a partycombined with fun and frolic.

Shahid Kapoor: Diwali is a happy occasionfor me and i plan to spend time with myfamily and friends. The day will begin byspending time with my family members. Iwould really like to commemorate this timewith my father, Pankaj Kapoor.

Shahrukh Khan: It is a time to spend at home with my family and some close friends. Aspecial Diwali pooja is a must which is meticulously organised. My two children really enjoythe occasion. My house is always very well decorated and lit with coloured lights. My fansalways wait for me outside to wish me well.

Aamir Khan: I would want to spend timeduring diwali with my family and friends andhave a party. I also enjoy visiting the homesof some of my close friends.

Amrita Rao: Diwali is my favourite festival.It is a time when I reunite with my relativesand friends.

Rani Mukherjee: For this occasion I plan towear a traditional sari for the occasion.Diwali has always been a special festival forme as on this occasion our family gettogether and I love to give gifts to my lovedones. The diwali rituals are performedaccording to our Bengali traditions.

Asin: I will be busy this diwali and in allpossibility I will be celebrating the occasionwith my flimi friends in the locations wherewe will be shooting.

Karan Johar: I intend to spend diwali withmy mum, and to perform pooja with her. Iusually dedicate the entire day to my mum,but later on I visit a few close familymembers and friends.

For bollywood film stars therefore, diwalimeans pooja, prayers, getting together withfamily and friends, decorating their homeswith rangolis and lights, exchanging giftsand having a fabulous party. To them thenthese components make up a happy diwali!



Light Treats

Gajar Ka Halwa

Ingredients

1 kg Carrots 1 litre Milk 1 teaspoon Cardamom seeds 3/4 cup Water 3 tablespoons Ghee 2 tablespoons Raisins 2 tablespoons Almonds 2 tablespoons Pistachios 450 grams Sugar

Method

1.Wash and grate the carrots. Soak theraisins in water for 30 minutes. Blanch andshred the nuts.

2. Put the water to boil, when it starts boilingadd the grated carrots. Cook for 5-7 minutes.

3. Add the milk. Cook on a low flame for 1hour stirring occasionally.

4. Add sugar, mix well and cook till the sugarhas dissolved and all the milk has beenabsorbed.

5. Add ghee and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Addthe slightly crushed cardamoms and theraisins.

6. Mix well. Remove from heat and arrangein a serving dish. Garnish with almonds andpistachios. Serve cold, hot or at roomtemperature

Sesame Gajak Pista BurfiPal Poli (Crepes in milk)

Ingredients

1 Cup sesame(Til)2 tbsp Ghee3/4 Cup jaggery1/2 tsp Cardamom powder

Method

1. Heat a pan and roast sesame seeds onlow heat.

2. Keep stirring constantly to avoid it fromspluttering.

3. Prepare thick syrup of jaggery by boiling itwith 2 cup water.

4. Strain this syrup.

5. Take out the roasted sesame from the panand add it to the syrup.

6. Spread a thin layer of oil on a rolling board.

7. Spread the sesame-jaggery mixture overoil film.

8. Press it to 1 cm thickness.

9. Cool the mixture sufficiently and cut intosquare pieces.

10. Til Gajak is ready.

11. Keep it in an airtight container.

Ingredients

400 gms Pistachios (kernels removed)250 gms SugarWater (for sugar syrup) as required7-8 leaves Edible Silver foil (varakh)

Method

1. Blanch the pistachios in boiling water. Drainand remove the peels.

2. Make a coarse paste of the blanched andpeeled pistachios in a mixer-grinder, withoutusing any water. Remove and keep aside.

3. Make a sugar syrup of two-stringconsistency.

4. In a kadai, mix together the pistachio pasteand the sugar syrup, and with the help of awooden spatula, keep on stirring the mixture tillit leaves the sides of the kadai and forms a ball.(take care not to burn the mixture).

5. Pour the mixture over a flat wooden surface,and evenly cut with a spatula to the desiredthickness.

6. Spread out the silver foil (varakh), and cutinto square shapes with a sharp knife. Removewhen cooled.

Ingredients

Serves 163 cups all-purpose flourwater to make a firm elastic dough1 quart milk1 cup sugar10 cardamoms, powdered¼ tsp saffron - soaked in hot waterOil for deep frying almonds, shredded & fried

Method

1 Make a firm dough with floor and water.Cover and set aside.

2 Boil milk in a heavy saucepan and keepsimmering until thickened and reduced. Addsugar, cardamom and saffron.

3 Meanwhile, divide the dough into 1 to 1-½inch-diameter balls and, using flour to dustthe board, roll out into a thin 6" round. Fold inhalf and seal edge with water. Deep fry in hotoil. Drain on paper towel. Poli made.

4 Place polis in a shallow dish. Pour the hotmilk over the polis and garnish with almonds.This dessert can be served hot or cold.

5. Take them out of syrup and serve hot.



Kaju BurfiJalebis Dahi-Bhalle Ghathiya

Ingredients

2 cups cashewnuts soaked inwater for 2 hours1 cup powdered sugar1 tbsp. Ghee1/2 tsp. cardamom powderSilver Varak for decoration

Method

1. Drain and blend the cashewnuts to a finepaste. Use as little water aspossible whenblending.

2. In a heavy saucepan put sugar and paste.Cook on a medium heat.

3. Keep on stirring continuously till a soft lumpis formed.

4. Add ghee and cardamom powder and mixwell. Spread on a clean greased work surface.

5. Roll lightly with a rolling pin, to a desiredthickness.

6. Apply the silver varak. Cool and cut intodiamond shaped burfis.

Ingredients

2 cups All purpose flour (maida) 11/2 tbsp. fine grained semolina or rice flour 1/4th tsp. baking powder 2 tbsp curd (plain yogurt) 11/4th cups warm water 1/2 tsp. saffron threads, slowly dry-roastedand powdered 3 cups sugar 2 2/3rd cups water 1/2 tsp green cardamom seeds powder 11/2 tbsp. kewra water or rose water Ghee or vegetable oil for frying

Method

1. Mix the flour, semolina or rice flour, bakingpowder, curd and 3/4th cup of the water in a bowl(preferably a ceramic bowl). Mix well with a whisk.

2. Mix well and then add remaining water and 1/8thtsp. of saffron powder, and whisk until smooth.

3. Set aside for about 2 hours to ferment. Whisk thoroughly before use.

4. Prepare string syrup by dissolving sugar inthe water. Just before the syrup is ready addsaffron and cardamom powder.

5. Heat oil in a kadhai. Pour the batter in asteady stream (or coconut shell with a hole) intothe kadhai to form coils. Make a few at a time.

6. Deep fry them until they are golden andcrisp all over but not brown.

7. Remove from the kadhai and drain onkitchen paper and immerse in the syrup.

8. Leave for at least 4-5 minutes so that theysoak the syrup.

9. Take them out of syrup and serve hot.

Ingredients

For Bhallas:1 Cup Urad daal Salt to taste Oil to fry

For Dahi:1 kg Dahi (yogurt) 1/2 tsp Ginger, grated Coriander Leaves, finely chopped 1-2 Green Chilies, chopped Salt to taste 2 tsp Cumin (jeera) Powder, roasted Red Chili Powder, to taste

Method

For Bhallas:1. Clean, wash and soak the daal overnight. 2. Grind it into smooth paste. 3. Add salt to taste. 4. Heat oil in a pan and drop a spoonfuls ofbatter and fry till golden brown. 4. Take the hot Bhallas and put in cold waterfor 2-3 minutes. 6. Now Take them out of water and squeezethe water and keep aside.

For Dahi:1. Blend the curd (yogurt) and little water untilit is smooth. 2. Keep in refrigerator for an hour to getchilled. 3. Add salt, red chili powder and cuminpowder.

For Serving: 1. In a deep dish arrange bhallas and pourdahi over them. 2. Now add imli (tamarind) chutney andgreen chutney. 3. Garnish with coriander. Serve chilled.

Ingredients

1/2 kg Wheat Flour 11/2 cups Water 1/2 tsp Ajwain 2 tbsp Oil Oil for frying as required Salt according to taste

Method

1.Sieve the wheat flour and rub the oil into it.

2. Then add the salt, Ajwain and mix well.

3. Make a well in the center, add enoughwater and knead into a stiff dough.

4. Heat oil in a kadhai, to smoking point.

5. Roll out the dough into big size Chapati(flat round Indian bread)and cut it into longstrips.

6. Now put these long strips into the hot oil.

7. Remove from the oil when crisp andgolden brown in color.

8. Drain on tissue paper, cool and store inairtight containers.

Bhel Puri

Ingredients

Will serve 3 to 4 peoplePuffed rice – 3 cupsBoiled potatoes – 2 (peeled and cut in small1’ pcs)Chopped tomato – 1Onion – 1 large (finely chopped)Green chilies – 2 (finely chopped)Tamarind chutney – tspsMint coriander chutney – 1 tspGarlic chili chutney – 1 tspCoarsely crushed papdi – 1 handful (abiscuit like snack made from flour)Barik sev – 1 cup (vermicelli type snackmade from gram flour)Chopped coriander leaves – 1/ 2cup

Method

1. Puffed rice (mudi), papadi and barik sevare all commonly available in Indian shops.Mix the puffed rice, potato, tomato,coriander and green chilies nicely in a largebowl.

2. Add the tamarind chutney, garlic chilichutney and mint coriander chutneyaccording to taste preferences.

3. Garnish well with lots of sev and papdi.Serve and eat immediately to retain thecrispness.

Bhel puri is a popular Indian snack item.

Bhel puri is considered a delicious

expression of Indian cuisine all over the

world. Bhel puri is low fat, full of zing

and nutritious snack food. It is now

being assembled in a variety of ways by

modern housewives to satisfy the

appetites children and adults. However,

bhel puri should be mixed just before

eating to prevent sogginess in its puffed

rice. Bhel puri is a ubiquitous street

presence in Mumbai, the commercial

capital of India

MISS INDIA WELLINGTON WINNER



MISS INDIA WELLINGTON WINNERShe was born in New Zealand and speaks

with a broad Kiwi accent, but the new MissIndia Wellington will always value the land ofher heritage.

Madhumitha Ramasubramanian turned 21two days before the pageant. It was herupcoming birthday that inspired her to enter,she said.

Miss Ramasubramanian's parents cameto New Zealand from the state of TamilNadu.The Victoria University student took the

Miss India Wellington 2011 title onSaturday 10th September at WellingtonHigh School.

10th anniversary celebration of Indianelegance, fashion, dance and music will beheld in Auckland in April next year.Application for Miss IndiaNZ 2012 pageantis now open to New Zealand residents orcitizens with Indian heritage. To apply orfor more information txt Rhythm to 4040 orlog onto Facebook.com/missindianz

Tarana in Wellington


New Zealanders must adopt a unitedapproach with the right attitude and engagethemselves collectively with the outside worldto ensure success in the 21st Century andbeyond, an expert in international affairs hassaid.

“We need to look out, engage ourselveswith businesses and people in othercountries and be a part of the world. Thesuccess or failure of New Zealand as acountry will not be determined here but ‘outthere,’ where the world meets,” ForeignAffairs & Trade Ministry Secretary and ChiefExecutive John Allen said.

He was the Guest Speaker at thePanworld Travel Mangere sponsoredinaugural Indian Newslink Sir AnandSatyanand Lecture held at Stamford PlazaHotel on July 4, 2011.

According to him, although many wouldsay that they are ‘incredibly andextraordinarily’ interconnected with the world,the reality was different.

“The truth is that New Zealand fails tounderstand or engage with the contemporaryworld. We are not building the capacity forour business or our people to engage in theworld in which our success depends. Thereis no place for xenophobia. We mustcelebrate our cultural diversity,” he said.

Global Exposure Imperative

Although he did not name groups,politicians or parties that were averse tokeeping New Zealand open to internationalbusinesses, his stand on contemporaryissues, which are being debated in public,was apparent.

“It is critically important that we challengethose who say that we do not wantinternational investment. Without

there are any notes, they will most likely bescribbled on the back of his menu or abusiness card,” he said.

Wellington based Belly Gully Public LawConsultant Rt Hon Paul East was the Masterof Ceremonies, while Labour MP Dr RajenPrasad and Ignition Partner LimitedExecutive Director Chad Wilkie commentedon the Lecture.

Among those who attended the Lecturewere National MP Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi,Indian High Commissioner Admiral SureeshMehta, Teresa Mehta, Act Party Leader DrDon Brash, Je Lan Brash, former AucklandMayor John Banks, Amanda Banks, Judgesof High Courts and District Courts, Barristers,Lawyers, businesspersons and others.

By Venkat Raman - Indian Newslink

international investment, we do not have afuture. We must challenge those who saythey do not want Free Trade. We must alsochallenge those who say we do not needskills from offshore. We must challenge thosewho circle the wagons,” he said.

Throughout his 40-minute speech, whichhe delivered extempore without referring toany notes or resorting to visual effects, MrAllen paid tribute to Governor General RtHonourable Sir Anand Satyanand and LadySusan Satyanand, saying that they were rolemodels, representing New Zealand and NewZealanders at international events andoccasions.

“They have been absolutely at the heart ofNew Zealand’s international engagement.They have been at the heart, not simply inthe travelling that they have done around theworld on our behalf but at the heart in thesimple statements that they have madeabout the importance of diversity.

“We must salute their consistent, dignifiedapproach in attacking racism andxenophobia as it emerged in this country,” hesaid.

Lecture Principles

Ravin Lal, Managing Director & Publisherof Indiana Publications (NZ) Limited, whichowns the Indian Newslink brands, hoped thatIndian Newslink Lecture would become anannual feature.

“The Lecture series has been designed topromote Accountability, Transparency, Integrityand Good Governance, which are enshrined inthe life and career of Sir Anand and Lady Susan,”he said.

In his speech, Sir Anand said these values,dear to him, were not any birthright but weregrounded in the values of parents, formed and

shaped through education and through interactionwith peers, colleagues and role models.“ My parents instilled the importance ofintegrity in a professional life. That formed acore for the approach I adopted in publicservice. The quest in public service remainsaccountability, transparency and goodgovernance,” he said.

Sir Anand said Mr Allen and his team werecharged with operating a network ofembassies throughout the world, andproviding strategic advice to the Governmenton matters of New Zealand’s internationalrelations.

“The role holds the formal title of‘Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade.’Secretaries, in other guises, write agendas,take notes and keep minutes. John is onespeaker who does none of the above. If

Global Engagement Critical for Success

From left Ravin Lal, Sureesh Mehta, Dr Rajen Prasad, Sir Anand Satyanand, Lady Susan Satyanand, Nimesh

Amin, Managing Director Panworld Travel Mangere, John Allen, Teresa Mehta and Rt Hon Paul East.

Residents of Wellington region andsurrounding areas now have the pleasure ofhaving an ‘Indian Radio Station of their own,’with the launch of 105.3 FM frequency byRadio Tarana recently.

Visitors to the Capital also tell us that theycan now hear news bulletins, songs andtalkback shows as they drive through the Cityor sit back and enjoy a drink or a meal in thecomfort of their hotel and home.

The launch of the round-the-clockWellington Frequency fulfils a long cherisheddream of offering our quality products andservices throughout the country in stages. Iam extremely pleased with the encouragingresponse that we have received fromadvertisers and listeners in the Wellingtonregion and I am confident that with theirsupport and patronage, the Radio Station willgrow from strength to strength, providing thesame standard of service that our patronsenjoy in the greater Auckland region.

With an audience target of 30,000listeners, the Wellington frequency (105.3FM) will be an extension to the family ofTarana advertisers and listeners. The facilityincorporates a fully operational studio with amix of Auckland and Wellington programmes.This new facility, coming as it did in times ofrecession, is reinstatement of ourcommitment to provide quality programmesand services to our patrons. It also reinforcesour commitment to create a strong portal forthe Indian community in Wellington and

in the country.This survey is the benchmark of any radio

station’s position in the Auckland market andthis result is a true and independent reflectionof the station’s position among all itscompetitors in the Indian and languagebroadcasting sector.

As we step into our 16th year, I wish toexpress my gratitude to our advertisers,sponsors, well-wishers, my team at RadioTarana and most important of all, ourlisteners for their support and patronagesince the first words went on air 16 years ago.Listener is a strange word.

In fact, we should be called the Listener,because we listen to you all the time,assimilate your views, desires and wants andhonour them wherever possible.

Robert Khan is the Managing Director of

Radio Tarana based in Auckland.

Source : Indian Newslink

make Tarana their local Indian radio. The frequency will engage with the local

community with breakouts into Aucklandbroadcast. The content will entail localengagement with Wellington organisations,iwi and the local and central Governments.

Positive Impact

The launch of the Wellington 24/7frequency has had it positive impact, themost important of which is the inquiries beingreceived from Auckland based businesseswho are keen to open branches in theCapital. They would now be able toeffectively communicate with a captiveaudience.

Radio Tarana is a station that combinesteam effort to offer the best to our extendedfamily of advertisers, listeners and well-wishers, not only in New Zealand but alsoincreasingly in other parts of the world,notably Fiji. As a team, our staff worktogether and debate on programmes andother issues to improve, improvise anddeliver as a team. Each of us has areas ofresponsibilities, targets and tasks. We sharecredits as a team, while as the ManagingDirector, I accept the blame for lapses andshortcomings.

Awards & Citations

Professional and trade bodies and otherorganisations have, in recent years, found usworthy of awards, citations and accolades.

We received the ‘Special Recognition Awardfor Community Broadcasting’ at the annualRadio New Zealand Awards 2008. During thesame year, our Presenter Satend Sharmareceived the ‘Best Foreign LanguageProgramme Award,’ the first ever by anIndian broadcaster.

Ajeshni Kumar and the Sales Team weredeclared Runner Up for the ‘Sales Person ofthe Year Award’ twice consecutively in 2009and 2010.

Radio Tarana also won in the CommunityPromotion Category this year (2011).

It is a matter of gratification that over thepast four years, Radio Tarana has beencreating broadcasting history by recording alarge increase in its listenership to becomeone of the top 10 radio stations in the GreaterAuckland Region.

Top Position

A recent Research International NewZealand Survey, found that overall, RadioTarana has 4.7% share of all commercialradio listening in Auckland, a higher marketshare than many other Auckland commercialstations.

It also achieved the status of for thehighest time spent listening Auckland station(10 hours 26 minutes weekly).

Each week, Radio Tarana accounts for66,200 different listeners tuning inAuckland. We have also retained the No 1spot as the premier Language Broadcaster

24/7 Indian Radio makes History in Wellington

AUCKLAND 1386AM WELLINGTON 105.3FMwww.tarana.co.nz

Entertainment


2011 saw the biggest Bollywood multi - starcast visit New Zealand to shoot the movie“Players” ( remake of the 2003 American film,The Italian Job).

The movie is directed by the talentedbrothers Abbas & Mustan. It is one of themost awaited Bollywood movies for year2012. The star cast of Players includeBipasha Basu, Abhishek Bachchan, SonamKapoor, Bobby Deol, Neil Nitin Mukesh, OmiVaidya, Johnny Lever and Sikander Kher.

Hemant Parikh (a Radio Tarana personality)caught up with the Starts on the sets inAuckland.Actor Sikander Kher said “ I am solucky to be in the same frame with these starswho have done more films than me”.

The biggest surprise on set was OmiVaida (aka Chatur from blockbuster film 3idiots). He loved working on the film and wasvery bubbly on the set. Omi stayed back inNZ with his wife for extra days to catch thesights of NZ. Omi said “NZ is a beautifulcountry – this is my first trip but certainlywon’t be last”.

Neil Nitin Mukesh did most of his shootingin Wellington. He went sight seeing inQueenstown with his Singer Father Nitin

Mukesh – son of late singer Mukesh.Johnny Lever who has acted in almost all

of Abbas Mustan’s films was on the set for 4days. He has a comic role in the film as anindian with a European wife and twin gora(European) kids.

Bipasha Basu spoke to Radio Taranabefore departing Auckland and said that shethoroughly enjoyed working in this film. Shehas high regard for Abbas Mustan with whomshe had done her first film Ajnabee .. Bipashawas surprised with the large number of fansin Wellington.

Abhishek Bachchan celebrated hisbirthday in Wellington where he was joinedby his beautiful wife, Aishwarya RaiBachchan. Abhi’s birthday was on the 5th ofFebruary. He was also excited to spendValentines Day in Auckland with his wife.Abhishek has visited NZ before - in 2001, hewas here to shoot for Bas Itna Sa KhwaabHain. In 2003, he came for the shooting ofMein Prem Ki Deewani Hoon.

Radio Tarana will bring exclusiveinterviews with all the stars closer to therelease of the movie. The Film is set for a bigopening in NZ on the 6th of January 2012.

Bollywood Invades New Zealand



DIWALI THALI DDEECCOORRAATTIIOONNA Puja Thali is a metal plate, usuallymade up of copper, brass, steel, silverand sometimes even gold, in which arekept all those accessories (puja samagri)that are required to perform the puja(worship) of the many Hindu Gods andGoddesses. During Diwali, Hindusworship Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth,and Ganesh, the God of auspiciousbeginnings, to usher in wellbeing andprosperity to individual homes. The DiwaliPuja Thali is vital to the worship ofGoddess Lakshmi and her brother LordGanesh, and that worshipping or prayer isan integral part of Diwali celebrations.

Offering prayers is done with greatdedication and devotion in all religionsand the Puja Thali is an inherent part ofperforming the prayer rituals amongHindus. It is required during the worshipof Lord Ganesh and Goddess Lakshmi(the deities associated with Wealth andProsperity) through Aartis, or prayersongs. A typical Diwali Thali consists ofscared ingredients for Hindu worship likeunbroken rice grains (Akshat), rice paste,roli for tilak (a sacred coloured markdrawn on the forehead), sweets andseasonal fruits for prasad (food offering toGod), incense sticks (Dhoop /Agarbatti),sandalwood paste, camphor (kaphur),coconut (narial), betel leaves (Paanpatta), a small pot filled with water(Kalash), gold or silver coins with images

of Hindu holy symbols (Om, Swastik orShree), candles (Mombatti), aarti-diya (lampfor worship), a hand bell (Ghanti), sacredcrimson string (Kalava or mouli) to tiearound the wrist, and petals of somecolourful flowers. These are the items thatthe women hold in both their handsthroughout the period of worship (Puja).

A Diwali Puja Thali is a plate, generallymade out of copper or occasionally gold,that is utilized to store all those accessoriesthat are necessary during the worship ofLord Ganesh and Goddess Lakshmi.Adorned Diwali Puja Thalis having all thePuja accessories can be bought “ready-made” from the market but the contentmentand the delight of decorating thisexceptional Thali by one’s own handsproduces in an individual a sense of divinefeeling. It gives immense joy, satisfactionand pleasure to decorate one yourself. Andit fills you with enchantment and a spiritualfeeling while you invoke divine blessings foryourself and your loved ones.

The diverse accessories are placedquite beautifully on the Thali, which thewomenfolk of the house carry in theirhands. Thus the Puja Thali has greatimportance for the Diwali celebrations inwhich the worship of Goddess Lakshmi isthe central theme.

Adorning the Puja Thali is one of the mostinteresting activities to perform on Diwali day.It needs great care, patience and meticulous

attention todetail – in orderto aestheticallyarrange and decorativelyplace all the necessary itemsfor worship on the thali. During Diwali,this has traditionally been done sinceancient times by the womenfolk in Indianfamilies.

The Thali decoration is a vital aspect ofthe Diwali rituals and hence, much care istaken in assembling together all the itemsneeded for decorating the thali. Kids in theHindu families greatly enjoy decorating thethali and consider it a privilege to receivethe permission to do so. However, justbefore the puja it is up to the ladies of thehome to ensure that the thali is in properorder; for it must remembered, that all itemson the plate are actually sacred offerings tothe deities.

The beautifully designed Diwali PujaThalis are simply indispensable inperforming worship during the festival oflights. This is how you can decoratetraditionally a typical Diwali Puja Thali:

1) Take a thali of gold, silver, steel, copper,brass or any other metal of your choice.The shape can be round, oval or any othermould of your preference.

2) Take some roli in a small bowl and mix alittle water in it to make a paste and draw

with it religious symbols such as 'Om','Swastik' or 'Shree' or images of deities inthe middle of the plate.

3) Cover the entire plate with brightcoloured piece of cotton cloth having atraditional print (traditional Rajasthaniprints look just great) or designer gift wrappaper sheet. Then draw traditionaldesigns over it. Play up the corners of theplate with some lace or zari (a type ofthread made of fine gold or silver wire) ofa colour that is in contrast to the base.You can also glue glitter and goldensequins to decorate the thali.

4) Deck up the thali with green betelleaves, which will make it look beautiful.Then put the sundry puja accessories onthe thali in the right manner to make itlook elegant.

5) Finally, cover the puja thali with petals ofmarigold, rose or any other flower used insacred Hindu festivals. Decorate variousdesigns with single colour petals or acombination of different rangoli colours.

tarana diwali paper 2011

Documents