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Bihar Jharkhand Sabha of Australia & New Zealand continues to strengthen cultural identity, celebrate traditions and bring generations together through its dedicated Auckland chapter.

By Miss Kiwi Kiran | The Kiwi Indian Express

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND — Thousands of kilometres from the familiar landscapes, traditions and hometowns of Bihar and Jharkhand, a community in Auckland has spent more than a decade creating something precious: a home away from home.

At the heart of this journey is the Bihar Jharkhand Sabha of Australia & New Zealand (BJSM), a volunteer-led, not-for-profit socio-cultural organisation committed to preserving heritage, nurturing friendships and helping families feel connected in their adopted countries.

As BJSM’s New Zealand community marks 15 years of togetherness, its Auckland chapter offers an inspiring example of what dedicated volunteers, strong cultural values and a shared sense of belonging can achieve.

From Small Family Gatherings to a Growing Community

The story of BJSM’s New Zealand community began with informal family gatherings around 2007–2008, when families connected through their common roots, traditions and memories of home.

Formal member registration followed in September 2010. Over the years, friendships grew into a more organised community network, eventually leading to the organisation’s incorporation in New Zealand in September 2018.

The wider BJSM movement traces its roots to Melbourne, where the organisation was formally established in 1994. Its network now spans major cities across Australia and New Zealand.

What began as a desire to meet people from familiar cultural backgrounds has developed into a platform for social connection, community participation and the celebration of a shared identity.

Auckland: A Vibrant Chapter of Cultural Pride

Among BJSM’s regional chapters, Auckland has developed a visible presence through family events, cultural gatherings and participation in New Zealand’s multicultural community.

The chapter’s activities are about much more than bringing people together for special occasions. They provide opportunities for children to discover their ancestral heritage, parents to pass on traditions and newcomers to build friendships in an unfamiliar country.

For many families, these gatherings offer something that cannot easily be recreated thousands of kilometres from home: the experience of celebrating familiar customs with people who understand their meaning.

Whether it is the spirit of Holi, the significance of Chhath Puja or the simple joy of sharing traditional food, BJSM’s cultural activities help keep connections with Bihar and Jharkhand alive.

Bihar Diwas 2026: A Milestone Celebration

One of the Auckland chapter’s notable recent achievements was its Bihar Diwas 2026 celebration, held at the New Lynn Community Centre.

According to published event coverage, more than 300 community members attended the celebration, which also marked 15 years of BJSM’s presence in New Zealand.

The gathering brought together families, community representatives and distinguished guests, including Dr Madan Mohan Sethi, Consul General of India in Auckland, alongside parliamentary and community representatives.

It was an occasion that highlighted not only Bihar’s history and cultural heritage but also the continuing contributions of people from Bihar and Jharkhand to New Zealand society.

The participation of multiple generations demonstrated the importance of creating spaces where cultural identity is celebrated alongside a strong sense of belonging in Aotearoa.

Celebrating Culture Through Food, Festivals and Friendship

BJSM’s Auckland community has continued to demonstrate that meaningful cultural preservation often begins with people simply coming together.

On 1 August 2026, more than 100 community members reportedly attended the second Sharad Milan Samaroh at Junoon Indian Cuisine in Remuera.

The gathering celebrated friendship, family connections and one of Bihar’s most beloved traditional dishes — litti chokha.

From children to senior community members, participants shared an afternoon reflecting the warmth and familiarity of gatherings back home.

Such occasions remind us that cultural heritage lives not only in grand celebrations but also in shared meals, conversations, memories and traditions passed from one generation to the next.

Supporting New Migrants and Building Stronger Networks

BJSM’s mission extends beyond festivals and celebrations.

The organisation identifies supporting new migrants, encouraging professional networking, sharing useful information and facilitating community assistance among its central objectives.

Its wider network includes professional initiatives designed to encourage connections in fields such as healthcare, information technology, hospitality and business.

For someone newly arrived in New Zealand, access to an established community network can make a meaningful difference.

A familiar conversation, practical guidance or introduction to another family can help transform an unfamiliar city into a place where people feel welcome.

These principles of friendship, mutual respect and support remain central to BJSM’s community-focused identity.

The Volunteers Behind the Community

A successful community organisation depends on the people willing to give their time and energy without expecting recognition.

From organising venues and cultural performances to welcoming families, coordinating activities and encouraging participation, volunteers form the foundation of BJSM’s work.

The Auckland chapter’s executive committee, elected in October 2025, includes:

• Bhrigu Bhaskar — President
• Krishna Singh — Vice President
• Ravi Gupta — General Secretary
• Sujata Kumar — Treasurer
• Rajesh Kumar — Cultural Secretary

Their leadership builds on the contributions of earlier organisers, founding families, former committee members and countless supporters who have helped sustain the organisation across the years.

BJSM’s achievements are therefore not the work of one individual or committee alone. They represent a collective commitment to maintaining community connections across generations.

Preserving Heritage While Embracing New Zealand

For families from Bihar and Jharkhand, cultural heritage carries the sounds of familiar languages, the flavours of traditional food, the memories of celebrations and the values passed down through generations.

In New Zealand, preserving these traditions also creates opportunities for greater cultural understanding.

Children growing up in Auckland can learn to value both their Indian heritage and their identity as New Zealanders.

Through cultural participation and community collaboration, organisations such as BJSM contribute to the broader multicultural fabric of Aotearoa.

The strength of a diaspora community is not measured only by the number of people who attend its events, but also by the friendships it sustains, the traditions it protects and the sense of belonging it creates.

A Future Built on Unity and Participation

As BJSM Auckland looks to the future, its continuing opportunity lies in involving more young people, welcoming new families, strengthening volunteer participation and encouraging collaboration across communities.

Its 15-year journey demonstrates the lasting value of collective effort.

For those who have moved far from Bihar and Jharkhand, the organisation represents a connection to familiar roots while creating new possibilities in New Zealand.

And for the next generation, it offers something equally meaningful: the opportunity to understand where their families came from while building their own future in Aotearoa.

Miss Kiwi Kiran’s Community Spotlight

At The Kiwi Indian Express, we believe that the stories of community organisations deserve recognition alongside the achievements of individuals, businesses and public figures.

BJSM Auckland’s journey is one of those stories.

We acknowledge the dedication of its founding families, past and present leaders, cultural organisers, volunteers, members and supporters who have helped keep the community connected.

Their contribution is a reminder that when people come together with a shared purpose, cultural heritage can thrive across oceans and generations.

Fifteen years of togetherness. Generations of shared heritage. One growing community.

Jai Bihar! Jai Jharkhand! Jai BJSM!

Reported by Miss Kiwi Kiran — The Kiwi Indian Express

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