Indians celebrate diamond year

Photo / Steven McNicholl

India's Republic Day will be celebrated there tomorrow - but Auckland Indians celebrated one of the country's most important events yesterday.

Thousands from the local Indian community gathered in Manukau and Aotea Square for mini-parades, cultural concerts and Indian food fairs to celebrate 60 years since the country became a republic.

"Unlike Diwali, which is a religious event, Republic Day unites all Indians here who are bonded by our Indian roots," said Ranjeet Singh, an immigrant from Punjab, who first came to New Zealand as an international student in 2003.

"India is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, and it is fantastic the links between our two countries are increasing."

India has become New Zealand's fastest-growing source of international students, increasing on average more than 50 per cent a year since 2005.

Only South Korea and China send more students.