The old sign-off, Fiji, The Way The World Should Be came alive at a special event organised by Radio Tarana in Auckland last week.
The Telstra Clear Pacific Events Centre was teeming with people of varied ethnic, religious, social and income groups and according to estimates, at least 45,000 men, women and children were at the indoor and outdoor venues on November 20 and 21, 2010, enjoying what was put together for them.
Fiji ‘Dancing Queens’ Hurricane Bibi and Bijuria were flown in from the South Pacific nation, with the promise of music, dance, fun and laughter and the duo did not disappoint their fans. They adlibbed merrily on stage, making people applaud and ask for an encore.
With competitions, Magic, Fashion and special items such as Cook Islands Dance and Theru Koothu, the popular Tamil Road-sideshow and a host of other popular entertainers, the two-day Festival was one of a kind.
A number of attractions for the children were a highlight.
Earlier, Auckland City Mayor Len Brown, Members of Parliament David Cunliffe, Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, Dr Cam Calder and New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters and Robert Khan spoke about the importance of the event, which highlighted the heritage of a ‘Great Country of Great People.’
“Such programmes enable us to understand, appreciate and experience the true character of Fiji, its culture, customs and cuisine,” they said.
Radio Tarana Managing Director Robert Khan said overwhelming public response was encouraging.
“The Fiji Festival would get better and bigger each year. Preparations for the next year’s event have already begun.
The next Festival will be held on February 26 and 27, 2011 at the same venue.
In the true Pacific spirit of goodwill and understanding, the Festival will effect a healthy fusion between Fijian and Indian tradition, culture and cuisine, punctuated by modern Bollywood entertainment,” he said.
This year’s event featured a number of stalls selling arts and crafts, textiles, food and other items.
