Members of the Kiwi Tamil Samoogam pose for a group photo Members of the Kiwi Tamil Samoogam pose for a group photo / Image supplied

Vineeta Rao

The New Zealand Tamil community is gearing up for what promises to be one of the year’s most vibrant cultural events, the KTS Saravedi Kondattam-2025. Scheduled for Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM at the ASB Waterfront Theatre in Auckland Central, the event is set to bring together families, friends, and supporters of Tamil culture for an evening of music, dance, and celebration.

Organised annually by the KTS community group, Saravedi Kondattam has grown over the years into a marquee event for Auckland’s Tamil population. Dedicated to preserving and celebrating Tamil culture, the event has become a cornerstone of the community’s calendar, drawing attendees from across the Auckland region and beyond. This year, organisers anticipate around 700 attendees, eager to partake in the festivities.

International Stars Take the Stage

A highlight of this year’s program is the impressive lineup of celebrity guests from India. Fans can look forward to performances by Sam Vishal and Anu Anand, both winners of the popular reality show “Super Singer”, whose voices have won hearts across India and among the Tamil diaspora. Their inclusion promises to add a high-energy, professional flair to the evening, delighting fans with hits from both contemporary and classical Tamil music.

Adding a touch of humor and inspiration to the event is the celebrated Erode Mahesh, widely known as the “Comedy King and Motivational Speaker”. Mahesh is expected to engage audiences with his signature wit, storytelling, and motivational insights, providing a unique blend of entertainment and empowerment for attendees.

Showcasing Local Talent

While international stars are a major draw, the KTS group is equally committed to promoting local talent within New Zealand. The event will feature performances by skilled artists from the local Tamil community, offering them a platform to showcase their abilities to a large audience. Organisers say this focus on community participation underscores the festival’s dual purpose: celebrating Tamil culture and nurturing the next generation of performers.

“This event is not just about entertainment,” says  KTS chairperson Vineetha Uthamaputiran. “It is about bringing our community together, celebrating our heritage, and giving our local artists a stage to shine. We are proud to present a mix of international stars and homegrown talent that reflects the vibrancy of the Tamil community in New Zealand.”

A Complete Cultural Experience

Following the performances, attendees will be treated to a delicious dinner, making the evening a complete cultural and culinary experience. The celebration is expected to be attended by a number of distinguished guests, including parliamentary members, local supporters, and sponsors, further highlighting the event’s prominence within the wider New Zealand community.

Last year’s celebration, “Deepavali Saravedi Kondattam 2024,” was a resounding success, with 690 attendees filling the Manukau Dew Drop Events Centre. The event received widespread praise for its high-quality performances and immersive cultural experience and included guests such as Chris Hipkins and Melissa Lee, among others. A glimpse of last year’s festivities is available on the Kiwitamilsamoogam website here.

Last year's event was a smash hit, with the venue packed to capacity.Last year’s event was a smash hit, with the venue packed to capacity. / Image Supplied

Celebrating Tamil Culture and Community

Deepavali, the Festival of Lights, symbolises the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. KTS Saravedi Kondattam-2025 promises to capture this spirit through its carefully curated program of performances, music, and cultural showcases. Attendees can expect a rich evening of music, dance, laughter, and delicious food, designed to appeal to families and individuals of all ages.

For those looking to experience Tamil culture at its finest in New Zealand, KTS Saravedi Kondattam-2025 represents an unmissable opportunity. With its combination of international stars, community performers, and cultural celebration, the event stands as a testament to the Tamil community’s enduring vibrancy and commitment to preserving its heritage abroad. For more information on the program, click here.

Vineeta Rao is an Indian Newslink journalist based in Auckland.