Golden Sunlight and Golden Hearts: Te Puke’s Nagar Kirtan Parade, A Day of Community Shine
Here in the Kiwifruit Capital of the World, we often talk about abundance—the abundance of our harvest, the rich, fertile soil, and the sunshine that fuels our key industry. Today, Saturday, September 27th, 2025, Te Puke witnessed a different, yet equally bountiful, harvest: a massive outpouring of community spirit and cultural richness during the spectacular Nagar Kirtan – Sikh Parade.
The atmosphere was simply electric! See video highlights reel and photos here.
A Day Blessed by the Sun
The day couldn’t have been more perfect. We were truly blessed with a beautiful, warm day, the kind of glorious Bay of Plenty weather that makes our fruit grow. This clear, golden sunshine mirrored the joyful energy radiating from the massive crowd. The great turn out saw hundreds of people lining the streets—locals, growers, families, and visitors—all coming together to celebrate this vibrant cultural event. The roads, briefly closed to traffic (as per the scheduled plan along Atuaroa Ave, Pacific Coast Highway, and Jellicoe St), became a wide, open stage for unity.
The Spirit of Nagar Kirtan
The Nagar Kirtan, a beautiful Sikh custom, is about much more than just a parade; it’s a living demonstration of faith, harmony, and selfless service. The word ‘Nagar’ means neighbourhood, and ‘Kirtan’ means the singing of devotional hymns. And oh, how those hymns filled the air!
The colourful procession, an absolute feast for the eyes, was led by the saffron-robed Panj Piare (the five beloved of the Guru). Following them, with deep reverence, was the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy Sikh Scripture) carried on a magnificent float. This event, generously supported by the Bay of Plenty Sikh Society and the Tauranga Western Bay Community Event Fund, brings to life the core messages of love, compassion, equality, and inter-faith harmony—values we all cherish here in Te Puke.
Capturing the Golden Moments
Ensuring every smile, every splash of colour, and the full scale of the crowd was recorded was the dedicated team from Vector Group Charitable Trust (Te Puke Digital). They were everywhere! With cameras, professional videography, and high-flying drone footage, they expertly captured the highlights of the parade from every conceivable angle. This visual documentation will serve as a wonderful digital archive, preserving the memory of this unifying day for our community and showcasing the vibrant diversity that thrives here in the Kiwifruit Capital.
More Than a Parade—It’s a Statement
Today was a powerful reminder that our town’s wealth isn’t just measured in tonnes of kiwifruit, but in the depth of our relationships and the strength of our community spirit. From the moment the procession departed from 26 No. 3 Rd and throughout its journey, the atmosphere was one of mutual respect and shared joy. The parade concluded at the Gurudwara, followed by prayers and a communal kai (food), strengthening those bonds of togetherness.
Thank you to everyone who participated and supported this truly exceptional event. Days like today prove that Te Puke is a place where we not only grow the world’s best kiwifruit, but also a rich, welcoming, and compassionate community.