Auckland [New Zealand], May 14: The Auckland Marathi Association (AMAI) has completed an incredible 30 years of preserving and promoting Marathi culture in New Zealand. As part of the year-long celebrations marking this milestone, AMAI proudly hosted the Marathi Natyamahotsav 2025, a full-day theatrical festival held at the Green Bay Auditorium, Auckland.
Under the dynamic leadership of President Mr. Chinar Chitale and the enthusiastic support of dedicated committee members and volunteers, the festival brought the Marathi community together in grand style. The event featured four Marathi plays, directed, and performed by members of Auckland’s own Marathi artists’ group:
- Savlya
- Tax Free
- Khel Savlyancha
- Sanjya Chaya
The packed auditorium resonated with laughter, applause, whistles, and emotional connection, creating an electric atmosphere. These plays showcased not just entertainment but also the richness of Marathi tradition, values, and everyday life, highlighting the community’s unity and artistic talent.
President Mr. Chinar Chitale, in his address, shared his pride and appreciation:
“These plays are not just performances—they represent our tradition, our identity, and our love for storytelling. They reflect who we are and what we cherish as a community.”
He warmly welcomed founding members of the association, including the ever-inspiring Shri Uday Gogate (now in his 80s), Shri Hemant Joshi, and remembered with respect  Mr. Dinesh Pradhan, and Shri Dharap and late Dr. Sudhakar Maydeo,—visionaries who laid the foundation of AMA three decades ago.
Throughout the year, AMA has continued to celebrate every key Maharashtrian festival such as Ganeshotsav, Diwali, Gudi Padwa, Holi, Rangpanchami with great fervor. From cricket matches to badminton, chess, and carrom tournaments, the association blends sports and cultural heritage seamlessly. This year’s Gudi Padwa was even celebrated on a cricket ground, symbolizing tradition meeting contemporary life.
AMAI also proudly hosted a blood donation camp, celebrated Diwali with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, and witnessed the historic visit of the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu to New Zealand.
To commemorate this momentous year, the Association launched its annual magazine ‘ZunjuMunju’, a vibrant collection of event photos, member contributions, and community highlights. The magazine was inaugurated by founding member Shri Uday Gogate and his wife.
The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Mr. Chinar Chitale, who acknowledged the hard work of the organizing team, especially Devdatta Paranjape , Chaitanya Nerkar, Harshad Bandekar, Bhoopali Deshpande, Neha Revankar, Anirudh Sain, Aniket Khedekar, Anurag Jadhav, Rohan Metrani, and Deepti Zantye.
“Without this passionate team, none of this would be possible,” he added.
I thanks to our sponsors -Shanayaan Arts & -CFI events
And thanks to Mrs. Anuradha Mayadeo, wife of Shri Sudhakar Mayadeo for their donation to association.
About Auckland Marathi Association (AMAI):
Founded in 1995, the Auckland Marathi Association was established by a few Marathi families in New Zealand seeking to preserve their cultural roots. Today, AMAI has grown into a vibrant, inclusive community where first- and second-generation Marathi New Zealanders celebrate festivals, arts, and community spirit. From traditional dance and music to theatre and sports, AMAI continues to be a beacon of Marathi culture abroad.
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