Auckland, August 2025 — The city came alive with music, culture, and celebration as India’s pop diva Shibani Kashyap headlined the World & Us: Indian Festival – New Zealand Chapter 2025 at the Due Drop Events Centre. In a moment that lit up the evening, Honourable Prime Minister Christopher Luxon invited Shibani onstage to dance with him, joined by Labour leader Chris Hipkins in a lighthearted display that won over the audience.
Presented by the CD Foundation, the Indian Consulate of New Zealand, and the Consulate General of India in Auckland, the festival marked a grand celebration of India’s 78th Independence Day, uniting communities through music and culture. A special acknowledgment was extended to Charu Das of CD Foundation, whose vision and dedication made the landmark tour possible, further strengthening cultural ties between India and New Zealand.
Beyond Auckland, Shibani also performed in Hamilton, leaving audiences spellbound. Adding a cultural highlight to her visit, she collaborated with the Māori tribe and the globally renowned Hakka Dancers—the same group that recently shared the stage with Billie Eilish—creating a powerful Indo–Kiwi fusion that symbolised unity across traditions.
As part of the official Independence Day celebrations hosted by the High Commission of India in New Zealand, Shibani joined the flag-hoisting ceremony and delivered a soulful patriotic song, stirring pride and emotion among the gathering.
Her magnetic performance at the Due Drop Events Centre stood as the festival’s crowning moment—an evocative tribute to India’s independence, bridging cultures, and celebrating friendship between India and Aotearoa.
Reflecting on the experience, Shibani said:
“It was an absolute honour to bring the voice of India to the beautiful land of Aotearoa and be part of the World & Us: Indian Festival – New Zealand Chapter 2025. Music has the magical power to dissolve boundaries and connect hearts, and I was overjoyed to share that joy with audiences in Auckland. As we celebrated India’s 78th Independence Day, I cherished creating a night filled with melodies, memories, and the spirit of togetherness.”
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