Tarana Diwali Supplement 2012

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OCT/NOV 2012
2.
DIWALI IN NEW ZEALAND I OCT/NOV 2012
THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Rt. Hon John Key

Happy Diwali. The Diwali festival of lights is a significant celebration for many people across New Zealand. The festival is a vibrant, entertaining, and unique celebration for New Zealands Indian communities. I always enjoy attending Diwali festivities. The warm and welcoming spirit and the colourful entertainment make it a must-do for many. Its also 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 with your family. Best wishes for the year ahead.
David Shearer
Namaste and Happy Diwali! Id like to offer my best wishes to the Indian community as you celebrate the festival of lights with your family and friends. This is a joyous occasion. It is an opportunity for all New Zealanders to come together and enjoy the richness and diversity of our communities. Diwali is about the triumph of good over evil and us all being aware of our inner light. It is a chance to show compassion towards each other and to share a moment of peace in the midst of our busy lives. Id like to thank all of the members of the Indian community for the cultural, social and economic contribution you make to New Zealand. I hope you enjoy the many festival events that will be held throughout the country to celebrate Diwali 2012. Warm wishes
David Shearer Leader of the Labour Party
Rt. Hon John Key Prime Minister of New Zealand
UNDERSTANDING DIWALI
The literal meaning of Diwali in Sanskrit is a row of lamps. The most popular tradition of Diwali is filling little clay lamps with oil and wick and lighting them in rows all over the house. Even today, the tradition projects the rich and glorious past of our country and teaches us to uphold the true values of life. Diwali has many legends and religious accounts associated with it. Lights and diyas are lit to signifying the driving away of darkness and ignorance, as well as the awakening of the light within ourselves. It is the perfect time for family gatherings, foods, celebrations and pooja. Goddess Laxmi plays a major role in this festival, as do Ram and Sita. This autumn festival is a five-days celebration, of which each one has its own significance. People renovate and decorate their houses and business places. Entrances are made colorful with lovely traditional motifs of Rangoli designs to welcome Laxmi, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity. To indicate her long awaited arrival, small footprints are drawn with rice flour and vermilion powder
(kumkum) all over the houses. Lamps are kept burning all through the nights. In order to welcome Goddess Laxmi, the house is kept clean and rangoli is drawn at the doorstep. A pandit is consulted for the best time of puja. The general things needed for a diwali puja are silver and gold coins, suparis, uncooked Rice, paan leaves, kumkum for applying tilak, mithaai (Indian sweets), camphor, agarbattis (incense sticks), dry fruit (almonds, cashews), flower petals and Lakshmi-Ganesh icon. The pooja ritual is performed in the evening when tiny diyas of clay are lit to drive away the shadows of evil spirits. Bhajans are sung in praise of the goddess and sweets are offered to her. Diwali puja consists of a combined pooja of five deities: Ganesha is worshipped at the beginning of every auspicious act as Vighnaharta; Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped in her three forms Mahalakshmi,the goddess of wealth and money, Mahasaraswati, the goddess of books and learning and Mahakali. People also worship Kuber- the treasurer of the gods.
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
4.
Robert Khan - Radio Tarana Chief Executive's Message

up a fertile ground for premiere advertising for all our advertisers. The advertisers need a special mention here because they are our major revenue drivers and we greatly appreciate their strong support. Our relationship with community organisations is important and some of our notable partners are Waitakere Indian Association, Auckland Indian Association, Supreme Sikh Council, Sangam Association, various Ramayan Mandalis, FINAZ and its members, various Majids, Gurdawaras, temples, religious organisations, social groups, different sansthas and other community groups and bodies. We are further excited about the formation of two new Indian Associations in Auckland next year especially one in South Auckland which will encompass Indians of all origin and we are told that it will engage with all communities and demographics. The relationship with these organizations is crucial because it assists Tarana to engage with the community in various forms and styles (from celebrating religious festivals to addressing community issues). We are grateful to all these organisations and we sincerely value their partnership. Radio Tarana is also proud to be a member of the Radio Broadcasters Association, the industry council which comprises commercial radio operators. As a member of the body, Tarana has lobbied with others to keep the industry growing in a competitive world and the changing dynamics of the Broadcasting space. While the Regulatory bodies have occasionally made life difficult for Commercial Broadcasters, RBA has been a strong crusader for the industry in solving related issues. Radio Tarana has a strong relationship with sporting bodies like AUCKLAND CRICKET, NZ CRICKET, NZ RUGBY UNION, NZ FIJI SOCCER and various other sporting groups. The relationship with them marks the commitment of our team to provide the audience with the best in the sporting world and to develop the sporting interest of our young audience. We have covered Rugby, Cricket and Soccer world cups internationally and this reflects our commitment to compete for the latest sporting information at a world stage. For almost 10 years the British Broadcasting Corporation has maintained an exclusive relationship with Radio Tarana. It has delivered and continues to provide the best in Hindi and Urdu news from India and Asia including interviews and regional news. Bollywood was an additional feature of our BBC service - we have started with various programmes, most popular being BBC Minute (a one minute capsule of the latest Bollywood news). The changing style of their BBC products has shown the commitment of BBC to provide and engage new audience and this has been well received in this country. Radio plays an essential role during civil emergencies in New Zealand and around the world. Radio Tarana was dedicated to doing the same for all their listeners during the Christchurch earthquakes, natural disasters in India, Pakistan, Fiji and other countries struck with tragedies. Our team is committed to super-serve our community in such times and Radio Tarana aims to provide essential correct informational services, comfort and companionship during such ordeal. The overseas Bollywood concert market in New Zealand had its biggest year in 2012. Based on our 17 years of broadcasting history, we have never hosted so many overseas artists as we did this year. While most were super successful within their own calibre, it is befitting to acknowledge the promoters that engaged in these projects and allowed our New Zealand audience to be blessed with seeing such appreciable talents. We are proud to state that 95% of all major Bollywood shows in New Zealand were hosted in association with our radio. This reflects the faith and trust of promoters with our station and its ability to deliver numbers to match their products. Events dominate our Tarana calendar year. We celebrate different festivals from Eid to Diwali, Holi to Rakhi and Bula Festival to India Independence day. Other notable events of 2012 are the Indian Newslink Business Awards, High School Bollywood Dance Competition and Indian Beauty Pageant. We estimate that over 500,000 people will attended our events in 2012. Our main intent is to promote diversity, bridge cultures, celebrate and showcase Indian culture. This is well achieved through these events. Indeed, we endeavour to continue doing the same in the year ahead. Based on our contribution to the community, Radio Tarana was a finalist in the 2012 NZ RADIO AWARDS for outstanding community campaign. We were presented with a certificate of recognition for our outstanding contribution to radio in New Zealand through our extended community campaigns. Our team is very proud of this recognition and we owe this to our audience who make our campaigns successful. The next 12 months is crucial for Radio Tarana as we strategically plan to embark on a new journey of development and change. We intent to keep delivering high quality programmes using our experienced and quality team. You will hear more original, quality and creative programming on Tarana. We are creating new promotions which will revolutionise the Indian radio space. Our Bollywood connection is further strengthened with Yash Raj Films and Forum Films in 2012 - we are the official New Zealand Media partner for Shah Rukh Khan's Diwali Bollywood Blockbuster JAB TAK HAI JAAN. We have recently announced our own new Apple iPhone application. Download free on your apple phone from our website or from the apple store and start listening to Radio Tarana on your mobile. There are various features to this Tarana application and we hope you will enjoy it. You will also find information on all our Diwali events in the promo section of this application. As always in the New Zealand Indian Radio space, we are the first Indian Commercial Station to launch this new age technological service and its this type of innovation which makes us more than a radio station. Diwali 2012 has finally arrived and celebrations have started across the country. Radio Tarana is involved in all Major Diwali events nationally, Auckland 13/14 Oct., Hamilton 20 Oct., Christchurch 20 Oct., Wellington 21 Oct., Waitakere 27 Oct., Manukau 28 Oct., Papatoetoe 4 Nov. The new addition to our calendar is the PAPATOETOE Diwali and we look forward to another grand celebration in the heart of PAPATOETOE town. We are running various promotions across all Diwalis, most notable, the chance to win a trip to India. Another major highlight of this years Diwali Celebration is the specialised KABADDI tournament at Manukau Diwali on the 28th of October. Various teams from around the country are participating and this would add to the flavour of Diwali. For those who haven't seen this Indian sport, it is a must attend. On behalf of our Radio Tarana team, Happy Diwali 2012 we value your support and loyalty.
The result of the latest Research International Radio Survey (2/2012) is a good way for Radio Tarana to start celebrating DIWALI 2012. Surveyed as the No 1 Indian Radio Station for audience, time spent listening and market share, Radio Tarana maintains its premier position in Indian Media. The task of leading Radio Tarana for 17 years has been both challenging and rewarding. However, we are strategically resilient and able to adapt, reinvent and survive. We have created this Radio space for the Indian Community and are proud to be pioneers of Indian Broadcasting in this country. As one of the heritage brands in the NZ Radio Market, we will continue to serve the Indian Community with the best in Broadcasting. Radio Tarana was the only Indian Broadcaster to gain station share to 2% of commercial radio listing and increase their time spent listening (Research International Survey 2/2012). Commercial radio listing station share for other surveyed indian broadcasters fell to 0.8% in Auckland (Research International Survey 2/2012). We have the largest face book page for NZ Indian Media - 25,000 plus on our face book likes. These statistics reflect the strong positioning of Tarana - in fact, this is the highest for any Indian Broadcaster in New Zealand. Tarana has embraced social media and other technology to its core business and this has contributed to our strong positioning in 2012. While competitors and other Broadcasters have simply emulated our content, style and ideas, Radio Tarana stands proud and tall as the listeners first choice. The reason for this positioning is based around our industrious team and quality content. We deliver distinctive content using our best of announcers. The mix of our enriched programming caters for all Indians that make
6.
Len Brown
Namaste It is my honour to wish you a happy Diwali. 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. This year I want to send greetings to Aucklands 75 thousand strong Indian community and the 20,000 strong Indian international student population in Auckland Indian events, such as Diwali, Independence Day and Indias National Day, are all celebrated and supported by the Auckland Council. We recognise the positive economic, educational, cultural and sporting contributions the Indian community makes to the new Auckland. I join with you in this celebration and wish you all the best.
Dr Rajen Prasad
Diwali signifies many different things to all Indians. In North India, Diwali celebrates Rama's homecoming after 14 years in exile. In Gujarat, the festival honors lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and in Bengal, it is associated with the goddess Kali, the destroyer of evil. In South India it is associated with the defeat of the demon Narkasura by lord Krishna. Diwali day is also important to the Sikhs and Jains. On Diwali day in 1619, the sixth Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Hargobind Singh Ji, an enemy of the Mughal Empire was freed from jail. The famous icon of the Sikhs, the Golden Temple in the city of Amritsar will be lit up to mark the occasion. Jains celebrate Lord Mahvira's reaching of nirvana. Some Buddhists also celebrate Diwali by decorating their monasteries and through the chanting of mantras and remembering Emperor Ashoka, who is said to have converted to Buddhism on this day. In each legend, myth and story Diwali signifies the victory of good over evil, of light over darkness, of knowledge over ignorance and the renewal of life. lt also marks the end of the harvest season and heralds the approach of winter and the beginning of the sowing season. In New Zealand, we have moved from the celebration of Diwali as a private event restricted to our homes to a more public event in the New Zealand ethnic calendar. lt is now an occasion for all New Zealanders to enjoy and celebrate throughout the country. I look forward to see many of you at the planned celebrations and wish all Radio Tarana listeners, friends and families Happy Diwali.
Dr Rajen Prasad Labour Member of Parliament Len Brown Mayor of Auckland
Rt Hon. Winston Peters

Kia Ora and Namaste As the leader of New Zealand First I wish you all the very best this Deepavali 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. Its a blessing that we reside in one of the worlds most peaceful countries. New Zealand First always has respected other cultures and faiths, our very colourful multiracial team speaks for itself. 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 todays 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 17 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 a Happy Diwali. Rt. Honourable Winston Peters Leader of NZ First
Russel Norman
Have a sweet Diwali On behalf of the Green Party I'd like to wish the Indian community a very happy Diwali. Diwali celebrations have moved into the 21st century with Bollywood stars, famous cricketers and politicians busily tweeting messages of celebration all around the globe. Thousands of brilliant photos of colourful light shows and fireworks will also beam around the world through facebook and social media sites. I urge the Indian community to share their celebrations with us at the Green Party through social media. Of course one aspect of Diwali that can't be appreciated vicariously is the great food and sweets that will be consumed in copious quantities. The variety and complexity of this food is something that makes this festival of lights also something of a culinary delight. Enjoy the 2012 Diwali celebrations. It's bound to be a cracker. Russel Norman Green Party Co-Leader
Hon Philip Burdon

Mubarak ho - Greetings We at Asia New Zealand Foundation are delighted to support the 11th Diwali Festival of Lights at Aucklands Aotea Square and Queen Street, and at Wellingtons TSB Bank Arena, Queens Wharf. 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 and Wellingtonians 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 and Wellington. We wish the 2012 Diwali Festival of Lights in Auckland and Wellington all the best.
Hon Philip Burdon Chairman

7.
Melissa Lee
Diversity is what makes New Zealand special. 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 MP
Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi

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 Zealands 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
8.
The festival of Diwali has been celebrated for ages and grows in attraction by the year. Everyone enjoys the goodies, the shine, glamour, and the endless enthusiasm for living that suddenly grips people around this time. But there is much more to Diwali than feasting and merrymaking. Diwali is a holy tradition, not to be put in the shade by the lights. Deepavali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness. Celebrated joyously all over the country, it is a festival of wealth and prosperity. Deepavali is essentially a festival for families. The preparations, the rituals, the entire celebration focuses on the home and family, spanning out to cover the community as a natural extension. Diwali is a festival synonymous with celebrations in India and among Indians all over the world It is an occasion for jubilation and togetherness. This is an occasion for young and the old, men and women, rich and poor - for everyone. Irrespective of their religious and economic background, the festival is celebrated throughout the country to ward off the darkness and welcome the light into their lives. At a metaphysical level, Deepavali is a festival signifying the victory of good over evil; the latter is destroyed and reduced to ashes by fireworks is the belief of the people. This festival is celebrated on a grand scale in almost all the regions of India and is looked upon mainly as the beginning of New Year. As such the blessings of Lakshmi, the celestial consort of Lord Vishnu are invoked with prayers. Diwali is also celebrated outside India mainly Africa, Australia, Britain, Guyana, Fiji, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Nepal, New Zealand, Mauritius, Myanmar, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Trinidad and Tobago, Thailand and the United States of America among the Hindus world over. Places as far as Southern America have a record of celebrating Diwali. Diwali in Australia Australia the wonderful island country on Indian Ocean has an estimated 100,000 Indians as settled in Australia. Most of them are the follower of the Hindu religion. Though, some of the Indians here are recent arrivals that belong to the affluent sections of the Indian society. Due to the large number of Hindu here, Diwali is one of the major festivals that is celebrated with great enthusiasm. The lightening of lamps and diyas on Diwali is a common practice. However, the non-availability of the appropriate material of or some other reason have influenced the celebrations and has given in the touch of modernity in the celebration of the festival of light. Diwali celebrations in Britain The Indians are the second largest ethnic minority in Britain. To get rid of the feeling of missing their homeland, especially during festival times, the Indians here celebrate most of the festivals. The occasion is marked by visit to the local temple to worship the shrine of Lakshmi, which they have made for Diwali. Eating special sweets, burning of incense sticks, lighting the home and surroundings and the blowing of the conch shell follows the prayer session in the Lakshmi temple. The festival here is celebrated according to the Hindu solar calendar hence it falls in the months of October-November, amongst the cold, damp and windy months in Britain. Still the enthusiasm of the festival celebration makes the task of leaving small lamps on
windowsills or by open doorways possible ignoring the chill. The lamps and diyas play their part in maintaining the atmosphere of Diwali at home. Diwali in Fiji Diwali, the Festival of Lights is celebrated with much fanfare and gaiety in the country of Fiji. A significant number of Hindus residing in this country celebrate the festival with traditional good will and rituals. Such is the euphoria over Diwali celebrations in Fiji that even the non-Hindu population participate in fun and celebrations related to the festival of Diwali. The excitement for Diwali Festival in Fiji is heightened further due to the fact that Diwali is celebrated as the public holiday in Fiji. Just as in India, people of Fiji celebrate Diwali with elaborate lighting and candle decorations. Taking advantage of the beautiful festival people reaffirm the bonds of love shared with loved ones by exchanging greetings, sweets and gifts of love. Besides, Diwali gives an opportunity to people of different faith and communities to come together and live in a spirit of communal harmony. In Fiji, several schools also organize Diwali celebrations to let children understand the social, cultural and religious significance of Diwali Festival. In several schools Diwali celebrations are marked by organizing singing, essay writing, quiz, rangoli making and Diwali Greeting Card designing competitions besides hosting talks in Hindi, English and Fijian languages. Traditional Diwali Lakshami Pooja is also organized in several schools. Such activities go a long way in enhancing the social and cultural development of the community in Fiji's multi racial, multi lingual and multi cultural society. Diwali celebrations in Guyana Guyana, formerly known as British Guiana, is located on the northeast coast of South America. Guyana is 82,978 square miles in area and has a population of about 7,70,000. Hindus constitute 33% of Guyana's total population. The Co-operative Republic of Guyana in Southern America celebrates Diwali according to the Hindu Solar calendar. The day of the festival is declared as a national holiday in the official calendar of Guyana. The tradition of celebrating the festival is believed to have been brought to Guyana in the year 1853 by the first indentured people from India. The legends related to the festival are similar to that of India. The celebration of the festival includes, distribution of sweets, illuminating the inside and outside of the house, exchange of greetings, cleaning of houses and wearing of new clothes. The celebrations hold special significance for the people of Guyana. Diwali celebrations in Guyana The distribution of sweet signifies the importance of serving and sharing whereas exchange of greeting cards denotes the goodwill of each other. The sweets distributed mainly consist of pera, barfi, and kheer. The tradition of wearing new cloth for the people of Guyana is significant especially in this festival. They believe that wearing new cloth is the symbol of healthy souls in healthy bodies. Cleaning of their homes and keeping them well illuminated in and outside is a practice meant
to illuminate the road for Goddess Lakshmi so that while goddess Lakshmi visits their home she faces no problem of light as the Diwali night is regarded as the darkest night of the year. Diwali celebrations in Indonesia The name Indonesia came from two Greek words: "Indos" meaning Indian and "Nesos" meaning islands. The majority of population follows Islam. Hindus constituent about 2% of Indonesia's total population. However, the Indonesian island of Bali is famous for celebrating the festival of Diwali, as a majority of the population here is that of Indians. It is one of the most revered festivals of the locals here. The celebration and rituals of the festival is mostly similar to that celebrated by their counterparts in India. Diwali celebrations in Malaysia Fascinating in its diversity, Malaysia has many mesmerizing charms and attractions. With a population of about 20 million, comprising of a harmonious multi-ethnic mix of Malays, Malaysia promises a colorful potpourri of cultural traditions. Most are based on the various religious practices, beliefs and traditions influencing the costumes, festivals, ceremonies and rituals. The Hindu community of Malaysia constitutes about 8% of its total population .The community celebrates Diwali as a symbol of triumph of good over evil. The Malaysian people call diwali as Hari Diwali. This festival is celebrated during the 7th month of the Hindu solar calendar. The south Indian traditional of oil bath precedes the festivities. The celebration includes visits to temples and prayers at household altars. Small lamps made from clay and filled with coconut oil and wicks are a common sight to signify the victory of Lord Rama, the hero of the Hindu epic Ramayana, over the demon king Ravana. Diwali is celebrated almost all over the Malaysia except in Sarawak & Federal Territory of Labuan. Diwali celebrations in Mauritius Mauritius is an island in the Indian Ocean that lies to the east of Madagascar. This beautiful landmass is full of picturesque landscapes and enchanting spots. Mauritius accounts a 63% of Indian majority of which 80% follow Hinduism. Hence, celebration of almost all the Hindu festivals in this island is a common phenomenon. In Mauritius, Diwali celebration is an age-old tradition. It holds special significance for the natives, who believe that Diwali has been celebrated even long before the return of Lord Rama from 14 years of exile and his coronation as the king. The festival is marked by lightening of earthen lamps in rows making images out of the rows. Lakshmi is worshipped as the goddess of wealth and crackers are burnt to scare away evil spirits. Diwali celebrations in Nepal Nepal is a landlocked country nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas. Nepal, a multi-ethnic and multi-lingual society is the only Hindu Kingdom of the world. Diwali is celebrated here with the usual Hindu festivities and rituals. Diwali in Nepal is known as Tihar. Just like most places in India Diwali is celebrated here to honor the goddess of wealth and god of prosperity Lakshmi and Ganesh respectively. The festival of light falls in the months of October or November on the day of Amavasya - the darkest day of the year. The festival here continues for five days. Every day has its
special significance. The first day is dedicated to cows as they cook rice and feed the cows believing that goddess Lakshmi comes on cows. The second day is for Dogs as the Vahana of Bhairava. Preparation of delicious food especially meant for the dog is a typical characteristic of the day. Lights and lamps are lit to illuminate the entire surrounding and some of the specialty items are prepared to mark the third day of the festival. Fireworks, Lamps and crackers are widely used. The fourth day is dedicated to Yama, the Hindu God of Death. He is prayed for long life. The fifth final day is Bhhaya Dooj dedicated for the brothers who are wished long life and prosperity by their sisters. Diwali celebrations in South Africa South Africa is located at the southern tip of the continent of Africa. The South African culture is a mix of variety of cultures. Asians in South Africa constitute two per cent of South Africa's population, and most are of Indian origin. Indians in South Africa are descended from indentured labourers who were brought by the British from India in the 19th century, mostly to work in sugar plantations or mines (especially, coal) in KwaZuluNatal (KZN) and later also from traders who emigrated to South Africa. A decade prior to the colonization by the United States of America, the nation had the largest immigrant Indian community in the world. Interestingly, Indian South Africans form the largest group in the world of people of Indian descent born outside India. At present, South Africa has almost one million immigrant Indians most of whom are concentrated in the eastern regions of Natal and Transvaal of the country. About 65% of Hindus, 15% of Muslims and 20% of Christians live in this area. Due to the majority of the Hindu population, a number of Hindu festivals are celebrated here. Naturally, Diwali also holds an important place in the festival calendar of the region. The celebration is more or less same to that in India. A new book on Indian indentured labourers reveals that the 2007 Diwali Celebrations in South Africa marked the 100th year of celebrations of the festival in the country. Diwali celebrations in Trinidad & Tobago Trinidad is the most southern of the Caribbean islands, lying only seven miles off the Venezuelan coast, is one of the most exciting, colorful islands of the West Indies. Considered as the land of the Humming Bird, Trinidad and Tobago has a good number of Indian population. For that reason, Hindu festivals, customs, traditions and observances forms an integral part of the society, which comprises the unique beauty of the twin island state. The Diwali celebration has a unique flavor here in the Caribbean island nation. Here 43 per cent of the 1.3 million populations are ethnic Indians. The Diwali celebrations are usually marked as an occasion to unify the nation that consists of Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Indo-Trinidadians and AfroTrinidadians. The festival day is regarded as a national holiday. The festival is also marked by scores of functions besides the usual rituals of the festivity. The functions and celebrations also have an official imprint as the Ministers of the Government also participate in the celebrations sometimes. The belief behind the festival is same as of India, which is, prevalence of good over evil. The celebrations continue for over a week and the headquarters of the National Council of Indian Culture at Diwali Nagar becomes the focal point.
10.
Diwali in India
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.
North India According to the great Hindu epic Ramayana, Diwali is believed to be the time when Lord Rama defeated and killed the evil King Ravana and after passing a period of fourteen years in exile returned to his capital Ayodhya (in the Faizabad district of Uttar Pradesh) on a new moon day of the Kartik season; with wife Sita and brother Lakshman. This homecoming of Lord Rama was celebrated with lights, fireworks, bursting of crackers accompanied by much merriment. The tradition continues to this day in the northern states of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Bihar and the surrounding areas where huge effigies of Ravana are burned symbolizing Lord Rama's vanquishing of the demon king. The Diwali night, in these areas, is a night of fireworks with sparklers and crackers of all types burnt throughout the night. The idols of Goddess Lakshmi, the symbol of wealth and prosperity and Lord Ganesha, the elephantheaded god, the symbol of auspiciousness and wisdom, are worshipped in most Hindu homes on this day. Most of the temples dedicated to the worship of Lord Rama or Krishna celebrate Diwali with great piety and eagerness. Eastern India In the eastern region of the country, Diwali is celebrated with great fanfare. In Orissa, oil lamps, candles and lanterns are lit and placed in rows around individual homes. Crackers are burst, sparklers lighted and gifts and sweets distributed by people across the state. The celebration here is almost like anywhere in India save for one ritual that calls upon the spirits of the family's forefathers. A primitive custom in this festival includes the burning of jute stems to light up the dark path that the spirits of the ancestors supposedly take to go back to heaven. Most of the houses are brightly lit and the doors and windows kept open to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, who is supposed to visit every home during this time and is believed to ignore all places that are kept dark and abandoned. In West Bengal, Lakshmi puja is celebrated earlier than the Diwali celebrations and the deity celebrated on this occasion is the fierce Goddess Kali. "Kali Puja" or the worship of Goddess Kali is what makes the celebration in this part of India a unique one. In Kolkata, the capital of the state, as well as in all the other parts of West Bengal, the nights of "Kali Puja" are marked by high festivities that consist of activities similar to other regions like bursting crackers, holding dazzling fireworks display, lighting rows of candles and diyas around individual homes, painting colourful patterns at the doorstep, dressing up in new clothes and paying a visit to friends and relatives. Across the state, makeshift structures called pandals, (made of materials such as bamboos, rope and cloth are erected) which house idols of Goddess Kali for the two days of celebration. The actual worship of the deity is, however, done only for one night during this festival. It is also believed that it is the night of the 'Pitripurush' (ancestors) and lamps are lit on long poles to guide their souls on this night. But the practice is more common in rural areas of Bengal than in cities like Kolkata. Western India In the western states of India, Diwali is a fourday festival, the preparations for which begin at least 15 days in advance. The markets liven up almost a whole month in advance for Diwali shoppers and the shopping frenzy peaks with the advancement of the occasion. On the night preceding Diwali, Gujaratis start celebrations by creating designs depicting images associated to the festival like deities, sun and flowers from natural powder colours (called "Rangoli") in their verandas. Images of small footprints are also drawn over individual doorsteps which is supposed to be a way of inviting Goddess Lakshmi to the house. On the first day, Narakchaturdashi, fruits are smashed and crackers burst to symbolize the killing of the evil demon Narakasur. On Lakshmi Pujan, the second and most important day of Diwali, Hindu homes all over the western region of India worship the idols of Lord Ganesh (deity of auspiciousness and wisdom) and Goddess Lakshmi (deity of wealth and prosperity) or symbols of them like currency notes and gold. The third day, Padawa, is considered to be one of the most auspicious days of the year in states like Maharashtra, and is held to be propitious for beginning any important task. This is the day for shopping, lighting diyas (earthen lamps) and performing tilak ceremony. In Gujarat, this is the New Year day when people visit each other to wish a new beginning. Bhau Beej is the last day of the festival that signifies sibling-bonding and the celebrations during this day is quite akin to Rakhi, another great Indian festival standing for the brother-sister relationship. Unlike Raksha Bandhan however, which is a day dedicated to brothers, Bhau Beej is dedicated to sisters. In Maharashtra, Diwali is celebrated over a span of four days. The first day, Vasubaras, is

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sunrise and take a bath after rubbing scented oil on their body. After this, the entire family visits a temple and offers prayers to their God. Following this, everyone feasts on Faral, a special Diwali preparation consisting of delicious sweets such as "karanji" and "ladoo" as well as some spicy eatables like "chakli" and "sev". The fourth day is Lakshmi pujan day, a new moon day, the dark night of which is illuminated by lamps and fireworks. In every household, an idol of Goddess Lakshmi and items of wealth like currency and jewellery are worshipped. Friends, neighbours and relatives are invited over and celebrations are in full swing. Southern India In Southern India, Diwali is celebrated in the Tamil month of aipasi (thula month) 'naraka chaturdasi' thithi, preceding amavasai. Naraka chaturdashi is the main day of the Diwali celebrations in this area. The preparations begin the day before, when the oven is cleaned, smeared with lime, religious symbols drawn on it and then filled with water for the next day's oil bath. Individual homes are washed and decorated with kolam designs (akin to rangoli patterns in North India). Firecrackers and new apparels are kept on a plate to be used on the following day. On the morning of Naraka chaturdashi, the actual celebrations begin with an early morning oil bath before sunrise. Afterwards, sweets are
partaken and new clothes worn. A unique Diwali custom in Tamil Nadu is the once-in-a-lifetime event, Thalai Deepavali, when newly weds spend their first diwali after marriage in the bride's parental home. The newly married couple, after taking blessings from the elders, burst the first crackers of the day and thereafter pay a visit to the temple, get gifts of clothes and jewellery, savour the sweets reserved for them and receive blessings of elders for a happy married life. In this joyful occasion the groom's parents and relatives also come down to join in the celebrations. Rural India In the rural regions of India, the Diwali celebrations, apart from all its other significances, also stand in for harvest celebrations. In villages across the country,
Diwali is the time that farmers celebrate with joy and offer praises to God for granting them a good crop. In the morning, multicoloured Rangoli or Kolam designs denoting shapes as the footsteps of Goddess Lakshmi are drawn at individual doorsteps and also all over the houses to usher in wealth, fortune and prosperity. Idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha are worshipped in most Hindu homes on this day. At dusk, the real jubilations begin. Tiny earthen lamps and candles are arranged all over individual huts in rows and create a beautiful sight to behold. People wear new clothes, burst firecrackers and light sparklers, visit the places of their relatives and friends to wish them on the occasion of Diwali and exchange gifts. All this illumination and fireworks, joy and festivity, symbolize the triumph of divine forces over those of wickedness, or rather - of good over evil.
celebrated by performing an Aarti (prayer with songs) of the cow and its calf- which represents the love between a mother and her baby. The next day is Dhanatrayodashi or Dhanteras, a special day for tradesmen and business people for new account books are opened by them after a worship of Lord Ganesh and Goddess Lakshmi. On the third day, Narakchaturdashi, people get up before
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GIFT IDEAS FOR DIWALI

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: 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. 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 pocketfriendly 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. 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. 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! 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.
Sweets: Sweets are traditional Diwali gifts and the festival of lights is truly incomplete without a

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WAITAKERE INDIAN ASSOCIATION
It gives me great pleasure to be part of Radio Taranas Diwali publication. I would like to repeat something I said in Taranas birthday message. It would be unthinkable to talk of Diwali without paying dedication to Radio Tarana. Waitakere Indian Association (WIA) started Diwali in 2000 at Kelston Community Centre with only 400 in attendance. Then a miracle happened - the partnership between Radio Tarana and WIA took root the following year in
2001. The sponsorship of Radio Tarana saw the numbers double to 800 at Te Atatu Community Centre. The publicity machine at the radio station was instrumental in spreading the news to people. This Diwali event in partnership saw Satend Sharma as the Master of Ceremonies. Confident with this sponsorship, assistance and financial input from Radio Tarana, Waitakere Diwali grew in popularity. The increase in numbers forced Waitakere Diwali to shift to the biggest indoor Diwali festival in New Zealand, to the House of Diwali the
Trusts Stadium at Henderson. Waitakere Diwali now attracts some rolling crowd of 20,000 people and still remains the original and largest indoor Diwali Celebrations in New Zealand. On this occasion of Diwali 2012, I pray for the prosperity of this station and hope it continues to grow like Waitakere Diwali festival. May you all have a Happy Diwali and a prosperous New Year. I take this opportunity to invite you all to the largest indoor Diwali festival in
New Zealand to Waitakere Diwali at Trusts Stadium on Saturday 27 October, 2012 from 11am to 10pm and make sure to stay back for grand spectacular fireworks. And we are proud and happy to say Radio Tarana remains one of our major sponsors. Happy Diwali to all Sunil Chandra PRESIDENT WAITAKERE INDIAN ASSOCIATION
AJESHNI
1. Your message to the listeners: Keep tuned in to your indian radio, radio tarana. More music, more fun, exciting prizes, BBC news plus be with the leading team. Team TARANA... 2. How long have you been withTarana? 6 years 3. Hobbies & Passion? Reading and playing Netball 4. Favourite TV programme of 2012? Shortland street and Star Plus serials 5. Favourite Film of 2012? Bol Bachchan 6. Favourite Song of 2012? Chalao Na Naino Se Bol Bachchan 7. Favourite Holiday Destination? Lion City Singapore 8. Your most memorable moment in life? When my daughter called me ma. 9. Your memorable moment at Tarana? Tarana Events always something dierent.
AKASH
1. Your message to the listeners: Always be mindful that Tarana is Your Indian Radio and you are that vital ingredient that we can not do without. I thank you for your unconditional support. 2. How long have you been withTarana? Been with Tarana for 12 years 3. Hobbies & Passion? Meeting people, writing, driving and cooking 4. Favourite Song of 2012? DilSambhal JaZara Phir Mohabat Karne Chala HainTu 5. Your most memorable moment in life? Will have to the birth of my precious son and daughter 6. Your memorable moment at Tarana? When I as the only NZ journalist had an opportunity to interview one o the American presidential candidates of 2008 Republican and a sitting senator of Arizona John Mc Cain.
GOPAL
1. Your message to the listeners: Try to nd how many lives u have in every moment, dont nd how many moments u have in life 2. How long have you been withTarana? 9 years 3. Hobbies & Passion? Playing chess and good music. 4. Favourite TV programme of 2012? Discovery 5. Favourite Film of 2012? None 6. Favourite Song of 2012? Abhi Mujhmain Kaheen (Agneepath) 7. Favourite Holiday Destination? Gangtok in India 8. Your most memorable moment in life? When I made my parents feel happy 9. What do you value most in Life? My time, My commitments. 10. Your memorable moment at Tarana? The day I was preparing to be live on air
HEMANT
1. Your message to the listeners: Listeners are our source of inspiration, its is due to their demands we do out 100% 2. How long have you been withTarana? 17 years 3. Hobbies & Passion? Travelling, Music and Social Networking 4. Favourite TV programme of 2012? Dont watch much TV 5. Favourite Film of 2012? Vicky Donor 6. Favourite Song of 2012? Tujhe Sochta Hoon Jannat 2 7. Favourite Holiday Destination? South Island, NZ 8. Your most memorable moment in life? Everyday is memorable, as i accept challenges and live up to so many expectations. 9. Your memorable moment at Tarana? When Tarana won the Community Service award at the Radio Awards
MANISH
1. Your message to the listeners: Don't Wait for the PERFECT MOMENT take the moment and make it PERFECT. 2. How long have you been withTarana? More than 3 years NOW 3. Hobbies & Passion? Music, Cricket RJ & DJ 4. Favourite TV programme of 2012? Indian Idol 2012 AND satyamev Jayate 5. Favourite Film of 2012? TITANIC 3D AND KAHAANI 6. Favourite Song of 2012? TERA DEEDAR HUA JANNAT 2 7. Favourite Holiday Destination? Any destination with friends or Gold Coast 8. Your most memorable moment in life? I LOVE EVERY MOMENT OF MY LIFE AND ITS ALL MEMORABLE 9. Your memorable moment at Tarana? WITH WONDERFUL LISTENERS, WITH PERFECT TEAM AND NO1 RADIO ... EVERY MOMENT IS MEMORABLE
MEHAK
1. Your message to the listeners: Logic only takes you fromA to B, but its the imagination which takes us everywhere. 2. How long have you been with Tarana? 4 years 3. Hobbies & Passion? Travelling, Music, and Reading 4. Favourite TV programme of 2012? Satyamev Jayate 5. Favourite Film of 2012? Vicky Donor 6. Favourite Song of 2012? Paani Da rang Vicky Donor 7. Favourite Holiday Destination? Queenstown, NZ 8. What do you value most in Life? Family 9. Your memorable moment at Tarana? On the occasion of Mothers Day during my show Recharge, a listener called me with chocked throat thanked me for making him feel close to his mom.
MONA
1. Your message to the listeners: It's always fun talking and getting to know everyone. So always keep Smiling and try to make everyone smile. 2. How long have you been withTarana? Around 3 years 3. Hobbies & Passion? Swimming, reading, photography 4. Favourite TV programme of 2012? Iss Pyaar ko kya naam doon 5. Favourite Film of 2012? Tere Naal love hogaya 6. Favourite Song of 2012? Raabta from Agent Vinod 7. Favourite Holiday Destination? Goa and Mt.Ruapehu 8. What do you value most in Life? My family and friends 9. Your memorable moment at Tarana? Everything about tarana is special and memorable.
NEHA
1. Your message to the listeners: A mistake is a mistake. Do not see it as my or his... Seeing it as my mistake brings guilt and seeing it as his mistake brings anger. my fav. quotes 2. How long have you been withTarana? 8 years 3. Hobbies & Passion? Singing, music & spending time with Ladoo (our pet) 4. Favourite TV programme of 2012? Kya hua tera waada/ Indian Idol 5. Favourite Film of 2012? Kahaani & Vicky Donor 6. Favourite Song of 2012? Shirt da button from kya super kool hai hum! 7. Favourite Holiday Destination? Bali 9. Your memorable moment at Tarana? When a listener baked a 3.5 feet long cake 4 me on my 21st bday and got it 2 the studio
NIRMAL
1. Your message to the listeners: Do listen to the station that speaks your language and listens to you. 2. How long have you been withTarana? 16 years 3. Hobbies & Passion? Listening to the music, reading & researching 4. Favourite TV programme of 2012? Satyamev Jaitey. 5. Favourite Film of 2012? Bodyguard. 6. Favourite Song of 2012? All 7. Favourite Holiday Destination? India 8. Your most memorable moment in life? Top secret 9. What do you value most in Life? Honesty, integrity & insaniyat 10. Your memorable moment at Tarana? Bringing live coverage of Guru Nanak Dev ji's birthday from Shri Nankana Sahib (Pakistan).
PAWAN
1. Your message to the listeners: Like a candle in the dark. Make every thing feel bright You may be out of my sight but you will always be deep in my heart 2. How long have you been withTarana? 12 Years 3. Hobbies & Passion? Music and movies 4. Favourite TV programme of 2012? Satye mev Jayte and Air Crash Investigation 5. Favourite Film of 2012? Kahani 6. Favourite Song of 2012? Darmiyaan from Jodi Breakers 7. Favourite Holiday Destination? Queenstown and Bangkok 8. Your most memorable moment in life? IT'S A SECRET! 9. Your memorable moment at Tarana? I have so many of them.
PARMJEET
1. Your message to the listeners: Dear all, thank you for your blessings and support, and being what you are and saying what you feel. Lots of love and regards. 2. How long have you been withTarana? 15 plus years 3. Hobbies & Passion? Canvas painting & talking to you all on radio 4. Favourite TV programme of 2012? Shortland Street now days. 5. Favourite Song of 2012? Ek Main Aur Ek Tu 6. Favourite Holiday Destination? My home 7. Your most memorable moment in life? Birth of my children 8. Your memorable moment at Tarana? Actually so many: Interviewing face to face Pakistans President Pervez Musharraf during his state visit to New Zealand, travelling with New Zealand Prime Minister to India on their State Visits in 2004 and the list goes on.
PREETA
1. Your message to the listeners: Keep well informed and well entertained Keep listening Radio Tarana. 2. How long have you been withTarana? 8 years almost 3. Hobbies & Passion? Reading and writing 4. Favourite TV programme of 2012? Two and a Half Men 5. Favourite Film of 2012? Pan Singh Tomar 6. Favourite Song of 2012? Tu hi mera Jannat 2 7. Favourite Holiday Destination? Any quite and green place with a book 8. Your most memorable moment in life? When I made my parents feel happy 9. What do you value most in Life? Saved someone dying and cant forget those eyes 10. Your memorable moment at Tarana? The day when instead of news my haha was aired
RAVI
1. Your message to the listeners: It has been a pleasure serving you all with hits of yesteryears Thanks for listening to Tarana and continue to. 2. How long have you been withTarana? 10 Years 3. Hobbies & Passion? Singing , reading and music. 4. Favourite TV programme of 2012? Satyamev Jayate 5. Favourite Film of 2012? Kahani 6. Favourite Song of 2012? Oh La La Dirty Picture 7. Favourite Food? Japanese Tepannyaki 8. Favourite Holiday Destination? Manali India 9. Your most memorable moment in life? The day I realised my purpose in life. 10. Your memorable moment at Tarana? My rst radio show Sunday Night
SANGEETA
1. Your message to the listeners: Keep tuned to Tarana 2. How long have you been withTarana? 3 years now 3. Hobbies & Passion? Reading, music and watching movies 4. Favourite TV programme of 2012? Shapath on Life ok 5. Favourite Film of 2012? Rowdy Rathore 6. Favourite Song of 2012? Chalao na naino se from Bol Bachchan 7. Favourite Food? Thai dishes 8. Favourite Holiday Destination? Fiji 9. Your most memorable moment in life? Joining Radio 10. What do you value most in Life? My Parents 11. Your memorable moment at Tarana? Taranas Xmas party!!!
SAGAR
1. Your message to the listeners: You have been with Tarana for last 17 years and we hope you will with Tarana for many more years to come. 2. How long have you been withTarana? 10 long years 3. Hobbies & Passion? Soccer, rugby, travelling, partying, movies & music 4. Favourite TV programme of 2012? TWO & A HALF MAN, THE BIG BANG THEORY, ISS PYAR KO KYA NAAM DOON 5. Favourite Film of 2012? Housefull 2 and Bol Bachchan 6. Favourite Song of 2012? Chalao Na Naino Se Bol Bachchan 7. Favourite Holiday Destination? DENARAU 8. Your memorable moment at Tarana? When I had to jump the fence to get into the car park trying to get in studio on time and not being able to until Robert Khan came and bail me out LOL
SALMEEN
1. Your message to the listeners: We have been entertaining you, we are and we will continue to 2. How long have you been withTarana? More than 10 years. 3. Hobbies & Passion? Travelling, Music, and Flying 4. Favourite TV programme of 2012? National Geography 5. Favourite Film of 2012? Rowdy Rathod 6. Favourite Song of 2012? Chin Tata from Rowdy Rathod 7. Favourite Holiday Destination? Fiji 8. Your most memorable moment in life? In Germany for World cup Soccer 2005 9. What do you value most in Life? Time 10. Your memorable moment at Tarana? Everyday is a memorable day at Tarana
SANJESH
1. Your message to the listeners: Try and give you the best on air presentation, just need your blessings, regards from the Tarana news team. 2. How long have you been withTarana? 5 years 3. Hobbies & Passion? Soccer, horse riding & meeting people 4. Favourite TV programme of 2012? I love Two and a Half Men 5. Favourite Film of 2012? Bol Bachchan and Rowdy Rathod 6. Favourite Song of 2012? Non in particular 7. Favourite Holiday Destination? Gold Coast 8. What do you value most in Life? Time and money 9. Your memorable moment at Tarana? Everyday is memorable for me at Tarana
SAPNA
1. Your message to the listeners: RadioTarana is an experience to last a life time. Its full of masti, pyar and quality so come and join our family. 2. How long have you been withTarana? Its been such an amazing time with Tarana that I lost track of time. 3. Hobbies & Passion? Watching star plus, dancing and interacting with my listeners. 4. Favourite TV programme of 2012? Is pyar ko kya naam du 5. Favourite Film of 2012? Zindagi na millegi dubara 6. Favourite Song of 2012? Ishq suyana Dirty Picture 7. Favourite Holiday Destination? India 8. Your memorable moment at Tarana? Each and every moment spent with Tarana
DJ SHALEND
1. Your message to the listeners: If its not beautiful, then believe me its not the end, its just the beginning of something more beautiful. 2. How long have you been withTarana? 6 years 3. Hobbies & Passion? To do something nice everyday! 4. Favourite TV programme of 2012? Saubhagvati Bhava Comes on Life OK 5. Favourite Film of 2012? Bol Bachchan 6. Favourite Song of 2012? Tere Bina from Tezz 7. Favourite Holiday Destination? Gold Coast so far 8. Your most memorable moment in life? When our 1st child was born 9. What do you value most in Life? My kids 10. Your memorable moment at Tarana? Rugby World Cup to be chosen to cover the Final!
SATEND
1. Your message to the listeners: Join me in the Tarana Drive Show every week day between 4 to 7pm to share loads of fun. 2. How long have you been withTarana? Since 2000. 3. Hobbies & Passion? Music, kids and a few drinks with mates 4. Favourite TV programme of 2012? Iss Pyar Ko Naam Ko Kya Naam Do and Swabhagwati Bhawa 5. Favourite Film of 2012? Bol Bachchan 6. Favourite Song of 2012? Piya O Re Piya Tere Naal Ishq Ho Gaya 7. Favourite Holiday Destination? Denarau Fiji and Surfers Paradise 8. Your most memorable moment in life? Around 6pm on 18 September 2005 The day and time my one and only child was born!! 9. Your memorable moment at Tarana? Winning theAward for the Best Ethnic Show

19.
India & Fiji!

EasyCall, the pre-paid phone card you can trust, has announced its lowest ever rates to India and Fiji in time for Diwali Festival of Lights 2012. EasyCall new low local access calling rates include India at 4c per min, Pakistan & Bangladesh at 9c per min, Sri Lanka at 18c per min and Fiji at just 29c per min! But its not just are many more New Zealands card. EasyCall you can trust:
EasyCall Announces Its Lowest Ever Rates to
EasyCall Club Members also receive 10% extra free on website recharges! the rates and offers; there reasons why EasyCall is favorite pre-paid phone is the pre-paid phone card
EasyCall Pre-paid Phone Card Call friends and family to celebrate the Diwali Festival. For more information, the latest rates and full terms and conditions go to www.easycall.co.nz.
Asia New Zealand Foundation is a nonpartisan and non-profit organisation dedicated to building New Zealanders knowledge and understanding of Asia. Established in 1994, the Foundation is a partnership between the public and the private sector. As the leading non-government organisation on Asia-New Zealand relations the Foundation works in five main areas business, culture, education, media and research. In addition, it runs a Young Leaders Network and takes a lead role in track II bilateral and multilateral dialogues in the Asia-Pacific. The Foundations programmes enable scholarships, seminars, internships,
educational support, special events and exchanges, track II diplomacy, in-house and commissioned research - all designed to equip New Zealanders with firsthand experience of Asia and to forge valuable links to the region. Experienced staff develops initiatives and form partnerships with a wide range of groups within New Zealand and throughout the Asian region. The Foundation is overseen by a top-level board of trustees drawn from business, community, academic and leadership backgrounds. Its board of honorary advisers is made up of distinguished public figures from throughout the Asian region. For more information visit the Foundations website at www.asianz.org.nz

21.
Doubling Export Education; How will we get there?

Answer; High quality education programmes that is responsive to trends and changes to the world economy and society. International students are no longer restricted for choice, as all other countries are going after the same students as New Zealand does. I am comforted by the fact that Education NZ is now a crown agency and that it will play a vital role of coordinating promotions of export educations globally, also the coordination of inter government agencies for better services to students to be able to make an informed decision in studying in new Zealand. We have come a long way from since 2010, when PTEs were constantly appearing on headlines. I am comforted by the passing of Education Amendment Act (Bill 4) giving NZQA greater powers to manage risky providers and to take appropriate actions. A lot of work is also under way in reviewing qualifications and creating rules that will ensure greater transparency about quality in the Sector. Immigration last year changed the policy about study to work visa, this is good news as it would attract students with right intention to study. The policy requires 2 years of study, not a '2-year' course to qualify for the study-work visa. This means that students may do some study at one institution and some at NZCC, but providing this adds up to the 2 years, they will still qualify to apply for the study to work visa. Intention is great but here is the problem. From today we are going to see some providers go after the vulnerable students that requires the second year qualification and the following will happen. Providers will charge as low fees and possible to attract these students. This will not help the doubling of export revenues. My proposal is to start benchmarking course and programme fees and setting a minimum fees benchmark for programmes. This will create an even playing field and students will have to make an informed decision not on price but what providers has to offer in terms of students support, pastoral care and also determine if the provider is of high quality. I am also proposing that NZQA create a rule for measuring the Educational outcomes for all international programmes similar to what the Tertiary Education Completion does for Domestic funded providers. In order to continue attracting international students we have to start working internally within New Zealand to tackle some of these issues first. This leads to onshore agents, well why do they exist on shore, you would think that they could approach a provider directly and applying for student visa onshore is far simple than offshore. Lets argue that some onshore agents do have a role to play (provided some dont facilitate waka jumping and student poaching) why not get them to register with Education NZ as an approved New Zealand Specialist Onshore Agent. Once registered then they can be held accountable for fee protection rules and other rules as required. I am sure between NZQA and Education NZ they can come up with a rule that can make this happen and then we get rid of those cowboys that has self interest not the interest of the students. Providers can then only work with these agents and not the unauthorised agents. I am optimistic that the sector will rise to the challenge in doubling export education, but we must proceed cautiously as there are plenty on players in the market that are there for self benefit not Mutual. Feroz Ali is the founder and Managing Director of New Zealand Career College.
2012 has begun showing promise for the export education sector and perhaps has a pathway to achieving the ambitious goal of doubling the export education revenue to $5 billion by 2025. Question; How will we get there? Rather then the typical hype of lets work together, lets collaborate, I would like us to think outside the box. Drucker said that marketing is the creation of mutual benefits. If we accept this statement then what do other countries and students want from New Zealand.
24.
DANCE TROUPE TO SHOWCASE THE VARIETY OF INDIA'S FOLK DANCES
Though theyve already got a vast array of dance moves under their belts, the Rangashree dance troupe from Ahmedabad, India, is hoping to learn some new moves while in New Zealand. The 15-member group, from the Rangashree School of Fine Arts, will be performing Indian folk dances in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch as part of the cities Diwali celebrations. The group is being brought to New Zealand by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations and the Asia New Zealand Foundation. Though they have a jam-packed schedule while in New Zealand, including performances at 10 schools in Auckland and Wellington, the group leader, Avani Pandit, hoped they would be able to see some local dances. It would be interesting for Rangashree dancers to see how different body movements in dance are associated with different cultures. The cultural importance of dance is at the core of Rangashree one of the schools main aims is
to help preserve folk dance traditions, in particular, those from the province of Gujarat. These dances express ceremonial, vocational, religious and social aspects of Indian culture. While some folk dances are still performed during Navratri (a Hindu festival) and on social occasions, the school is conscious that some of the traditional dances are being forgotten. With younger generations, the movements and costumes do get more Bollywood-style, Pandit said. And some folk dances like Tippani (mallets or tampers), Supadu (grain cleaning basket) and Ghado (pot) are vocational dances. Times have changed and no one cleans grain with a basket or goes to get water at a river with a pot or has the leisure time to sing and dance with their pots. If these dances were not performed then they would be lost. Such dances will be among those performed by the group while theyre in New Zealand, and they
are composing a medley especially for the trip. That way we can perform a greater variety of folk dances in a short time, Pandit said. Of all the dances the group performs, two are particularly well-loved. Garba and Raas are very popular and they are typically performed during the Navrati. They are also done as community dancing during other festivals as well, and at social occasions like weddings. Raas is part of social dancing from a long time ago. Even in the mythological stories they mention Lord Krishna and gopis [girls who are followers of Krishna] doing Raas. Pandit suggested audiences watch out for the wide array of costumes that will be on show. Each folk dance has its own costume, specific to the particular area of Gujarat. Eleven dancers and three musicians make up the group, along with Pandit, and while the musicians are full-timers, the dancers
themselves are only part time. Folk dance performances are held often, but not enough to earn their bread, said Pandit. They have to depend on other sources of income. Folk dancing is also seasonal, which limits their ability to make a full-time living. Between October and January we have lots of performances, but during the summer there is not much happening. The dancers typically work other jobs, or are doing part-time study. Most have been invited to join the group after taking courses at the Rangashree School. Once they have reached a certain skill level, they are invited to take part in professional performances. During their time in New Zealand, the group will also be breaking out some Bollywood moves during their school visits. Students at the schools which are all part of Asia:NZs Principals Asia Aware Network will be taught both folk dance and a Bollywood number by the group.
Radio Tarana tunes to dynamics of change with a New Logo in 2012

As we extend our best wishes to you and your good progress in your professional and personal lives, we wish to explain about the waves of changes that have been occurring in Radio Tarana. While you would 'hear' of the changes in our programme content throughout the year on your favourite radio station, the most colourful 'visual change' that you would 'see' would be our logo. In effect, our new logo symbolises and highlights change. Our new logo conforms to a 'traditional Indian Shape,' incorporating a holding device with colour vignette and overlay effects of multiple shapes. The result is a holding device, which reflects a unique shape that is both intriguing and reflecting a mode of communication. The typography selected represents Indian architectural arches, with the length of the letter format echoing the height of pillars. Our designers recommended retention of the red and yellow colour palettes but extended them to reflect change, that is dynamic and indicating the changing Indian community. The strategy behind the new logo is to portray Radio Tarana with an Indian, modern look, proud of its Indian roots, quality content and awardwinning programmes and quality presenters. We see ourselves as the heart of the Kiwi Indian community and as a trusted source of information. This brings us to positioning in the radio market and Indian Media in New Zealand. We feel that the community needs to take ownership of the station and the strap line, 'Your Indian Radio.' Radio Tarana belongs to you, listeners. After much evaluation of the radio market and our current content, we are proud of the fact that Radio Tarana provides more than others; we are your voice and entertainment source, covering everything including news, views and information to music, show business and events. We hope you would find our new look interesting and engaging. But behind that new look and approach remains an even stronger determination to serve you better and serve you more.

27.
DIWALI
How do some of the bollywood stars celebrate their diwali? These are their comments:
In Bollywood the film stars and film dignitaries have their own way of celebrating diwali, the festival of lights. The actors and actresses celebrate the occasion with great pomp and show that includes decorating their homes with bright coloured lights and coming to their balconies from time to time to greet their fans who wait outside to catch a glimpse of them. The stars shower blessings to their fans and call out to wish them a happy time for the occasion and a blissful life for the future. The stars who commonly indulge in this tradition are Shahrukh Khan, Salman Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra and others.
BOLLYWOOD
Shahrukh Khan: It is a time to spend at home with my family and some close friends. A special Diwali pooja is a must which is meticulously organised. My two children really enjoy the occasion. My house is always very well decorated and lit with coloured lights. My fans always wait for me outside to wish me well.
Akshay Kumar: I will celebrate it with my family and do pooja in my house for the good of my family, fans and friends.
Kangana Ranaut: I plan to celebrate diwali with my sister and parents and some close friends who will come to visit us. It will be a quiet family affair. We will definitely decorate the house and light it up with lamps. I will try to do Rangolis in my house.
Aamir Khan: I would want to spend time during diwali with my family and friends and have a party. I also enjoy visiting the homes of some of my close friends.
Amrita Rao: Diwali is my favourite festival. It is a time when I reunite with my relatives and friends.
Bipasha Basu: The festival of light is a special occasion for me and I always look forward to it. This year it will be no different. I will celebrate it at my home. My intimate friends and relatives, including John Abraham will be present. Diwali is a heart warming occasion for me and in every sense I prefer to keep it a simple, traditional and cohesive get-together for me.
Asin: I will be busy this diwali and in all possibility I will be celebrating the occasion with my flimi friends in the locations where we will be shooting.
Karan Johar: I intend to spend diwali with my mum, and to perform pooja with her. I usually dedicate the entire day to my mum, but later on I visit a few close family members and friends.
28.
Light Treats
Jalebis Kaju Burfi Dahi-Bhalle Ghathiya
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-roasted and 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, baking powder, 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 1/8th tsp. 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 in the water. Just before the syrup is ready add saffron and cardamom powder. 5. Heat oil in a kadhai. Pour the batter in a steady stream (or coconut shell with a hole) into the kadhai to form coils. Make a few at a time. 6. Deep fry them until they are golden and crisp all over but not brown. 7. Remove from the kadhai and drain on kitchen paper and immerse in the syrup. 8. Leave for at least 4-5 minutes so that they soak the syrup. 9. Take them out of syrup and serve hot.
Ingredients 2 cups cashew nuts soaked in water for 2 hours 1 cup powdered sugar 1 tbsp. Ghee 1/2 tsp. cardamom powder Silver Varak for decoration Method 1. Drain and blend the cashewnuts to a fine paste. Use as little water aspossible when blending.9 2. In a heavy saucepan put sugar and paste. Cook on a medium heat. 3. Keep on stirring continuously till a soft lump is formed. 4. Add ghee and cardamom powder and mix well. Spread on a clean greased work surface. 5. Roll lightly with a rolling pin, to a desired thickness. 6. Apply the silver varak. Cool and cut into diamond shaped burfis.
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 of batter and fry till golden brown. 4. Take the hot Bhallas and put in cold water for 23 minutes. 6. Now Take them out of water and squeeze the water and keep aside. For Dahi: 1. Blend the curd (yogurt) and little water until it is smooth. 2. Keep in refrigerator for an hour to get chilled. 3. Add salt, red chili powder and cumin powder. For Serving: 1. In a deep dish arrange bhallas and pour dahi over them. 2. Now add imli (tamarind) chutney and green 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 enough water 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 long strips. 6. Now put these long strips into the hot oil. 7. Remove from the oil when crisp and golden brown in color. 8. Drain on tissue paper, cool and store in airtight containers.
30.

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DIWALI IN NEW ZEALAND I OCT/NOV 2012

THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

Rt. Hon John Key

David Shearer Leader of the Labour Party

Rt. Hon John Key Prime Minister of New Zealand

DIWALI IN NEW ZEALAND I OCT/NOV 2012

THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

Robert Khan - Radio Tarana Chief Executive's Message

DIWALI IN NEW ZEALAND I OCT/NOV 2012

THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

Dr Rajen Prasad Labour Member of Parliament Len Brown Mayor of Auckland

Rt Hon. Winston Peters

Hon Philip Burdon

Hon Philip Burdon Chairman

DIWALI IN NEW ZEALAND I OCT/NOV 2012

THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi

DIWALI IN NEW ZEALAND I OCT/NOV 2012

THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

DIWALI IN NEW ZEALAND I OCT/NOV 2012

THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

DIWALI IN NEW ZEALAND I OCT/NOV 2012

THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

DIWALI IN NEW ZEALAND I OCT/NOV 2012

THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

GIFT IDEAS FOR DIWALI

DIWALI IN NEW ZEALAND I OCT/NOV 2012

THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

DIWALI IN NEW ZEALAND I OCT/NOV 2012

THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

WAITAKERE INDIAN ASSOCIATION

DIWALI IN NEW ZEALAND I OCT/NOV 2012

THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

India & Fiji!

EasyCall Announces Its Lowest Ever Rates to

DIWALI IN NEW ZEALAND I OCT/NOV 2012

THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

Doubling Export Education; How will we get there?

DIWALI IN NEW ZEALAND I OCT/NOV 2012

THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

DANCE TROUPE TO SHOWCASE THE VARIETY OF INDIA'S FOLK DANCES

Radio Tarana tunes to dynamics of change with a New Logo in 2012

DIWALI IN NEW ZEALAND I OCT/NOV 2012

THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

DIWALI IN NEW ZEALAND I OCT/NOV 2012

THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

DIWALI IN NEW ZEALAND I OCT/NOV 2012

THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

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