Culture celebrated

A unique experience of culture is coming to Hamilton free of charge this Saturday.

Waikato Punjabi Cultural Club (WPCC) is presenting its fifth annual Vaisakhi Mela, at Claudelands Arena.

The event celebrates 125 years of Punjabi’s in New Zealand.

WPCC secretary Geeta Randhawa said for people of Punjab, especially the Sikhs, Vaisakhi was a mega event.

Every April in India, Vaisakhi, an ancient harvest festival, is celebrated across the northern Indian subcontinent.

From that, the WPCC will showcase talentedWaikato individuals at thier own event.

WPCC is a non-profit community group formed in 2010, and run by parents from the Punjabi community.

Thier goal is to keep Punjabi Culture alive through traditional dances, including bhangra and giddha.

‘‘As parents we feel it is important that we continue and share our culture with our future generations,’’ Randhawa said.

‘‘Currently we have approximately 40 children and 30 adults that attend our classes regularly.’’

On Saturday April 30, children from ages five and above will show thier culture through dance.

It will be a fun-filled night of entertainment with traditional food and instruments, Randhawa said.