Prime Minister Narendra Modi was formally welcomed at Government House in Auckland, New Zealand on Saturday, the last leg of his three-nation visit. During this, he was welcomed with the traditional Maori ‘Pōwhiri’ ceremony, which is considered an important part of New Zealand’s indigenous Maori culture and traditions. During this, traditional Haka dance was seen. After this, people have a question in their mind that what kind of dance is this and why was PM Modi welcomed with this dance.
This visit is special in many ways, because this is the first official visit of an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand after almost 40 years. It is believed that this visit will give new strength to trade, investment, education, defense and people-to-people relations between India and New Zealand.
With which special dance was PM Modi welcomed?
Giving information on social media platform
Prime Minister Modi reached Auckland on Friday evening local time. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon himself welcomed him at the airport. This is considered a symbol of the importance of this visit.
What is Haka dance?
Haka is a traditional group dance of the indigenous Maori community of New Zealand. It consists of people making vigorous body movements in a group manner, rhythmically hitting the ground with their feet, and speaking words such as songs or mantras in a loud voice. It is not just a war dance, but an important traditional art of Maori culture.
According to Maori tradition, the origin of the haka is believed to be linked to an ancient legend. It is believed that the haka originated from ‘Tanerore’, the son of the sun god ‘Tama-nui-te-ra’ and his wife ‘Hine-Raumati’. The waves of hot air rising from the earth during summer are considered a symbol of ‘Te Haka aa Tanerore’ in Maori culture.
On what occasions is Haka performed?
- To welcome distinguished guests (Haka Pōwhiri)
- to bid farewell to or condole someone
- to give advice or message
- To restore honor and self-respect
- To challenge or intimidate opponents (war dance Peruperu)
- To convey social and political messages
How was PM Modi welcomed in New Zealand?
After reaching Auckland, Prime Minister Modi met the people of the Indian community, during which he was welcomed through colorful cultural programs. Cultural presentations from Punjab and Tamil Nadu were given in the programme. Apart from this, a confluence of Karnataka and Hindustani classical music was also presented. ‘Vande Mataram’ was also presented in the programme.
While sharing glimpses of this program on social media platform
He praised the Indian diaspora, saying that they are keeping India’s cultural heritage alive across generations and in different parts of the world, while also strengthening people-to-people ties between India and New Zealand.
What is PM Modi’s plan in New Zealand?
During the Auckland visit, Prime Minister Modi will also participate in several high-level meetings. In these meetings, discussions are expected to be held on strengthening bilateral cooperation between India and New Zealand as well as further enhancing the historical, cultural and community relations between the two countries.
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