KEY POINTS:
An extravaganza of classical Indian music, dance and fashion marked the Diamond Jubilee of Indian independence on Friday night.
More than 2000 people were at the Aotea Centre's ASB Theatre for Rongostav - meaning Festival of Colour. There were 45 stalls representing different facets of India and guests of honour included Prime Minister Helen Clark, National leader John Key and Auckland Mayor Dick Hubbard.
The highlight of the evening was the four-hour show Maya. Divided into 10 sequences, it was based on the hindu concept of five elements of the universe - ether, wind, fire, water and earth - and showcased Indian traditional dress, music and dances including, of course, belly-dancing.
The event was organised by the India Trade Group, and chief executive Giri Gupta said it was the first show of its kind in New Zealand.
HIGHLIGHT
The women dressed in beautiful jewel-bright saris.
LOWLIGHT
If only we could still be enjoying an Indian summer rather than a chilly winter.
