AUCKLAND: Teej Mela 2026, a vibrant celebration of Nepali culture, traditions and community unity, has concluded successfully in Auckland, attracting more than 800 members of the Nepali community.
The event was organised by Hamro Ekata Incorporated and held on Monday at the Mahatma Gandhi Hall in Auckland.
The main attraction of the event was the special performance by popular Nepali folk singer Khem Century and acclaimed singer Samikshya Adhikari, who travelled from Nepal to perform for the Auckland Nepali community.
Both artists entertained the audience with their popular songs, with many attendees singing and dancing along to their performances. Khem Century brought the venue to life with his popular folk and Teej songs, while Samikshya Adhikari added to the excitement with some of her well-known hits.
The artists’ performances were met with an enthusiastic response from the audience, while local artists and cultural groups also presented a range of cultural and musical performances.
The event reflected the colours and traditions of Teej, with many women attending in traditional Nepali attire and jewellery. The programme also provided an opportunity for members of the community to meet, exchange greetings and celebrate the festival together.
People travelled from outside Auckland, including Hamilton and Tauranga, to attend the event. Their participation highlighted the strong interest and enthusiasm within the wider Nepali community for cultural celebrations in New Zealand.
Lekhnath Neupane, who travelled from Hamilton to attend the event, said he was encouraged by the fact that the programme combined entertainment with support for people affected by the recent disasters in Nepal.
“I came to the programme because it was an opportunity to enjoy ourselves while also supporting flood victims in Nepal,” Neupane said.
“If we can preserve our art and culture, our children will also be able to continue those traditions in the future. I believe programmes like this should be organised and that people should participate as much as possible.”
This year’s Teej Mela was not limited to entertainment and cultural celebrations. Organisers repeatedly appealed for support for families affected by the devastating floods and landslides in Nepal.
The organisers and the two visiting artists also urged members of the Nepali community to extend their support to families affected by the disaster.
Saurav Basnet, president of Hamro Ekata Incorporated, said the event had been more successful and enthusiastic than expected.
He said the Teej Mela was organised not only to celebrate and promote Nepali culture and traditions, but also to strengthen community unity and relationships among Nepalis living in New Zealand.
“This programme was not only about entertainment; it was also about supporting families affected by the floods in Nepal. That is what made this year’s Teej Mela particularly meaningful,” Basnet said.
He thanked everyone who attended and contributed to the event, saying the active participation of the community was important in keeping Nepali culture, traditions and festivals alive among Nepalis living overseas.
Artists, local cultural groups, volunteers, sponsors, businesses and representatives of various community organisations also took part in the programme.
The organisers said the Teej Mela provided an important platform for bringing the Nepali community together, connecting younger generations with Nepali culture and traditions, and preserving Nepali identity while living abroad.
