New Zealand's Indian community has been celebrating several harvest festivals that are an important part of life in the South Asian nation.
Known by different names across India - Lohri in the north, Uttarayan Makar Sanskranti in the west, Sankranthi Sambaralu and Pongal in the south, and Bihu in the east - the harvest festival is typically celebrated on 14 January.
Interestingly, it is the only Hindu festival based on the solar calendar.
On this day, winter starts turning to spring as the sun transitions from the zodiac sign of Sagittarius to Capricorn.
As the day marks the beginning of the harvest season, it's traditionally a time for feasts, singing and dancing.
Households across India share sweets made from sesame and light bonfires to ward off evil spirits. They also pray for a bountiful harvest.
Pratik Mathurkar, who moved from Austin, Texas, in 2023, was surprised to see kite flying in Auckland. Photo: RNZ / Blessen Tom
Kite flying is common at this time of year in some parts of India, though is especially prevalent in the Indian states of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
Participating in kite flying is believed to ward off bad luck and old grievances.
A kite's string acts as a symbolic cord, lifting all negative aspects of a person's life up into the sky.
People of all ages take to open spaces or rooftops to fly their unique kites and compete with friends.
The kites are attached to a spool of manja - a string coated with glass shards that is sharp enough to cut the cords of rival kites.
The harvest festival typically also includes contests for the most beautiful, unique or highest-flying kites. Some popular kite designs include birds, animals, mythological figures and even celebrities.
Kite flying in India has a long and rich history, dating back centuries.
In modern times, the city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat has hosted the International Kite Festival since 1989.
The competition is the largest kite festival in the world, attracting participants from across the globe.
Thousands flocked to Auckland's Eastdale Reserve on Saturday to participate in the Uttarayan Makar Sankranti kite festival. Photo: RNZ / Blessen Tom
Makar Sankranti
The largest kite festival in New Zealand took place in Auckland on Saturday.
Thousands flocked to Eastdale Reserve in Avondale to win one of several prizes on offer.
Organised by community group Vaishnav Parivar, the highlight of the festival was a battle for kite supremacy in the air.
Other offerings included food stalls, live cultural performances, folk dances, rides, face painting and a drawing competition for children.
Vinay Mehta, one of the organisers, said the event had been running for 18 years.
"While the festivities are important, the clean-up job after the event is equally meaningful," Mehta said. "Over 100 volunteers will spend hours collecting kites and threads around the reserve and neighbouring properties."
Vinay Mehta, one of the organisers of the Uttarayan Makar Sankranti kite festival. Photo: RNZ / Blessen Tom
Dhruv Darji, who immigrated to New Zealand from Gujarat a year ago, was thankful to experience a bit of India in Auckland.
"I miss my home more today ... but at least events like these give us a chance to interact with many members of the community," Darji said.
Pratik Mathurkar, who moved from Austin, Texas, in 2023, was surprised to see such a huge interest in kite flying in Auckland.
Gurpreet Singh, who moved to Auckland from the Indian state of Punjab recently, echoed a similar sentiment.
Imogen Angus, who lives near the reserve, had her first kite flying experience at the event.
"I am terrible at [flying kites], but people have been very gracious in giving me tips," she said. "Hopefully I will improve as the day progresses."
The Hindu Heritage Centre in Rotorua also hosted a Makar Sankranti celebration on 12 January.
Imogen Angus, who lives near the reserve, had her first kite flying experience at the event. Photo: RNZ / Blessen Tom
Lohri
Lohri celebrations kicked off in Auckland on 11 January at Barry Curtis Park organised by the Maa Shakti Charitable Trust, where the highlight - like every year - was the lighting of the traditional bonfire.
The Garden City-based Indian NZ Association of Christchurch organised its sixth annual Lohri fair on 18 January.
Dubbed "a fiesta of tradition and culture", attendees were treated to a lively evening of dance and music, along with Indian delicacies.
A Lohri celebration was organised by the Indian community in Invercargill the same day.
Kite flying is common at this time of year in some parts of India, though is especially prevalent in the Indian states of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Photo: RNZ / Blessen Tom
Sankranthi Sambaralu
The New Zealand Telugu Association organised its annual Sankranthi Sambaralu event at Auckland's Mount Roskill War Memorial on 12 January.
The highlight of the day was a rangoli (decorative patterns created on floors with coloured rice flour) competition, followed by an authentic Telugu dinner.
The Maha Andhra Telugu Association New Zealand organised a similar celebration at Auckland's Mt Eden War Memorial Hall on 18 January, where prizes were given to those wearing the most authentic Andhra Pradesh dresses.
Pongal
Meanwhile, the Wellington Tamil Society celebrated a Pongal festival on 18 January.
The harvest festivities will end with the Auckland Tamil Association and New Zealand Tamil Society celebrating Pongal on 1 February at Mt Eden War Memorial Hall and Mt Albert War Memorial Hall, respectively.
