Lower Hutt Town Hall came alive on Friday, 2 October, as the Wellington Punjabi Women Association Inc. presented Punjabi Virsa 2026 – Wellington Punjabi Diwali Festival, bringing together a packed audience for an evening of Punjabi music, culture and celebration.

The sold-out event created a vibrant atmosphere, with people enjoying live music, energetic performances, dancing and the strong sense of community that has become a feature of Punjabi cultural celebrations in the Wellington region.

The evening featured renowned Punjabi artists Manmohan Waris, Kamal Heer and Sangtar, accompanied by an impressive live band. Their performances brought generations together and provided an opportunity for the audience to connect with Punjabi music and cultural heritage.

The event also attracted community leaders, supporters and guests, including Lower Hutt Mayor Fauono Ken Laban and Hon Ginny Andersen, who joined the community for the celebration.

For Dr Ramil Adhikari, who attended the event, Punjabi Virsa was about much more than an evening of entertainment.

“It was wonderful to see Lower Hutt buzzing with Punjabi music, culture and energy. Events like this are about culture, identity, belonging and connection, and they provide an opportunity for communities to share their heritage with others,” he said.

He acknowledged the Wellington Punjabi Women Association Inc., along with the sponsors, performers, volunteers and supporters whose months of preparation and commitment helped make the event possible.

The success of the sold-out festival also highlighted the growing contribution of cultural communities to the social and cultural life of the Wellington region. Punjabi Virsa provided a space for the Punjabi community to celebrate its heritage while welcoming people from across the wider community. Through music, dance and shared celebration, the event demonstrated how cultural festivals can help build understanding and strengthen relationships between communities.

For many attendees, the evening was also an opportunity to celebrate Diwali through Punjabi traditions and music, while bringing families and different generations together. “Multicultural Aotearoa is at its best when we can proudly celebrate our own heritage while sharing it with others,” Dr Adhikari said. “Punjabi Virsa is a wonderful example of how culture can bring people together and contribute to a stronger, more connected community.”

With its sold-out audience, internationally recognised performers and strong community support, Punjabi Virsa 2026 was a memorable celebration of Punjabi heritage and a vibrant night for Lower Hutt.

The festival once again demonstrated that cultural celebrations are not only about preserving traditions- they are also about creating connections, strengthening belonging and sharing the richness of Aotearoa New Zealand’s diverse communities.

A “thank you” to Ramil Adhikari for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

07/10/26