25/08/2026
Dear Whanganui Indian Community Members,
We have recently received several inquiries asking why our upcoming celebrations are being held in an indoor venue rather than an open public ground. We would like to take this opportunity to share our reasoning with you all.
Our highest priority is—and always will be—the safety and well-being of our community, especially our vulnerable members, children, and elders. Recent events in larger centers like Auckland have served as a valuable learning experience for us. Rather than taking unnecessary risks or causing friction within the broader public, we believe it is wiser to host our gatherings in a controlled environment.
Many of us moved to New Zealand seeking peace, stability, and a safe environment to raise our families. Respecting local cultural norms and maintaining harmony with our host country is essential. Just as we value our own heritage, we also respect the culture and lifestyle of the wider New Zealand community. Balancing our traditions with quiet consideration for our neighbors helps ensure long-term unity for everyone.
An indoor hall allows us to secure the space effectively with minimal police presence, ensuring a warm, joyful, and secure environment for attendees. While a large-scale public outdoor event is not feasible for us at this time, our commitment to celebrating our heritage remains unchanged.
Please remember that our annual Diwali celebration remains free and open to the public. We warmly invite all members of our community—and our neighbors across Whanganui—to join us, celebrate together, and support one another.
Let us stand united, support our local events, and celebrate Diwali with joy and peace.
Warm regards,
Geeta Sandhu
President of Lotus Indian Group Whanganui.
