”Language is the heart of identity’: Community gathers for Punjabi celebration’
A weekend gathering in Hawke’s Bay brought the Punjabi community together at Toitoi Event Centre to mark a milestone edition of Punjabi Language Week, a festival dedicated to preserving and promoting one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing languages, spoken by tens of thousands across the country.
Nearly 400 attendees joined the regional celebration, with families and curious youngsters playing a central role in the program. The venue hummed with color and rhythm as performers showcased Bhangra and Giddha, along with traditional tunes and soulful songs that highlighted the community’s vibrant musical heritage.
Organisers described the occasion as more than a festival—it is a sustained effort to keep the language alive for future generations. “Language is the heartbeat of identity and culture; it carries our stories, customs, and values,” one organizer noted. “By celebrating Punjabi Language Week, we’re helping young people learn with pride, strengthening family bonds, and sharing our culture with the wider community.”
Beyond the dances and melodies, the gathering underscored how language shapes daily life in schools, homes, and community groups, as the community renews its commitment to passing Punjabi to the next generation. Attendees left inspired, carrying a collective pledge to keep their language and traditions thriving for years to come.
