The first ever South Asian Cultural Festival for Alexandra is coming up and volunteers are needed to bring the event to life.

Central Otago District Council, Alexandra Welcoming Communities and the Arasan NZ Trust are planning the event at the Alexandra Community Centre (15 Skird St) on Saturday August 27 from 2 - 6pm.

The event will be free, fun, family friendly and feature food and music, with opportunities to participate in fashion shows and Bollywood dancing. 

Welcoming Communities officer Deborah Beange said anyone interested in assisting with tasks such as setting up, serving food, and hanging posters can contact by email deborah.beang[email protected]

Deborah said the results from a newcomer survey conducted earlier this year show that our broader community can improve in the area of accepting and welcoming new cultures and beliefs.

“A lot of people are moving [to Central] from urban areas and larger places and… some things are missing here that you might find in larger urban areas.

“The festival will appeal as it is an opportunity to step up and try something different.”

During the afternoon there will be cultural performances, henna painting, rangoli (traditional multi coloured floor art), chances to try on saris, and kids’ activities, along with delicious South Asian food to try.

The cultures celebrated by the event are those from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldvies, Nepal, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. 

The Arasan NZ Trust works to promote and preserve the Tamil culture and heritage, and foster understanding, friendship, goodwill, appreciation and participation between the Tamil and other ethnic communities around New Zealand. Learn more about the not-for-profit trust here. 

The event is sponsored by the Lottery Grants Board.