Almost 1000 children attended the event in early October. Photo: Facebook / Takanini Gurdwara Sahib
The South Auckland-based Supreme Sikh Society of New Zealand and Sikh Heritage School celebrated Sikh Children's Day over two days in early October.
Almost 1000 children from Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton and Bay of Plenty attended the event in Takanini, with some visitors even flying in from Australia with their parents.
On 5 and 6 October, children participated in activities related to music, literature and sports.
Participants also sang gurbani kirtan (prayers) and attended communal meals.
Photo: Facebook / Takanini Gurdwara Sahib
They also took part in workshops on turban tying, Sikh martial arts, roti (Indian bread) making and public speaking.
Daljit Singh, spokesperson for the Supreme Sikh Society, said the purpose of the annual event was to share rich Sikh traditions and culture with a younger generation.
"Making enduring friendships is also one of the goals," Singh said. "The Sikh population is not that huge in other parts of New Zealand [outside of Auckland]. So, kids who attend the annual event from, say, Wellington or Christchurch get to meet their peers in Takanini and those friendships then endure."
Daljit Singh, a spokesperson for the Supreme Sikh Society Photo: Facebook / Takanini Gurdwara Sahib
