Thames’ Grahamstown Hall was awash with colour as the Thames Indian Community put on its inaugural Teeyan Da Mela festival. The Punjabi festival on August 24 was a celebration of women – and the atmosphere in the building was one of joy, togetherness and excitement with everyone dressed up to the nines. Two hours of performances were followed by DJ Kiwi Beats, as the floor was cleared for dancing. While women and children danced under the pulsing lights and thumping bass, others perused the shopping stalls, ate Indian delicacies, or got their faces painted or henna applied to their hands. “This is just the beginning,” the organising committee later said. “Here’s to many more celebrations of culture, sisterhood, and joy.”
ALICE PARMINTER joined the festivities.
