Idea Services’ Jackie Levet with Te Awamutu’s Steven Hagan.
The colourful Hindu festival of lights known as Diwali filled the Cambridge Town Hall last week when around 140 people enjoyed an evening of Indian food, dance and culture.
Hamilton’s Steven Baars having his turban tied by Manjinder Singh Singh. Photo: Viv Posselt
The event was organised by Idea Services, an organisation that supports adults of all ages with intellectual disabilities to live independently and be part of their local communities. The Waikato-King Country branch of the organisation held their first Diwali celebration in Hamilton last year. This year, they joined forces with the Hamilton Waikato-South area to bring it to Cambridge.
Many of the guests wore Indian dress for the occasion and a number of them lined up for lessons in turban tying or to have their hands painted with henna. Guests also viewed a video of the significance of Diwali, showing the ways it is marked in different parts of the Indian continent.
Idea Services’ service manager Jackie Levet, left, with Te Awamutu’s Chris Whitehead and Craig Hagan. Photo: Viv Posselt
In her welcome address, Idea Services’ Nelufa Nisha said the event was focused primarily on helping their clients gain a better understanding of different cultures. She said last year’s event in Hamilton has proved so successful that the decision had been made to widen its reach.
“Diwali is a time for family and friends to come together,” she said. “New Zealand is a country that celebrates diversity, and we are fortunate to be here with people of various cultures and backgrounds helping us celebrate this occasion.”
She said many of Idea Service employees had links to the Indian community, and support workers from Hamilton as well as the Tarr Rd residential farm put on performances that included Punjabi and Nepalese dances.
The evening also included a presentation of gifts and awards to Idea Services staff.
Guests came from around the region, including Cambridge, Te Awamutu, Hamilton, Ōtorohanga, Matamata and Morrinsville.
Idea Services’ Tom Gilford and service manager Jackie Levet, flanked by Ian Cotterell, left, and Leanne Cummins, both from Te Awamutu. Photo: Viv Posselt
Ray Te Paea from Idea Services’ Tarr Rd farm having his turban tied by Manjinder Singh Singh. Photo: supplied
Idea Services’ Jackie Levet with Te Awamutu’s Steven Hagan. Photo: Viv Posselt
