New Zealand Maori delegation performs haka at Medaram shrine

In a first-of-its-kind indigenous encounter, a Maori kapa haka delegation from Aotearoa, New Zealand performed the haka (dance) at the Medaram Sammakka-Saralamma tribal shrine in Mulugu district, while local Koya tribal cultural teams also held their regular performances.

The historic performance, coinciding with the 77th Republic Day, added profound symbolic significance to the celebrations, highlighting the shared traditions of resilience, honour and ancestral pride, though the two countries are separated by geography.

Minister Seethakka performing with Maori kapa haka delegation from New Zealand at the Medaram Sammakka-Saralamma tribal shrine on Monday.
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A traditional Maori ceremonial performance, kapa haka (group dance), is a rhythmic and powerful chant-and-movement sequence that expresses identity, unity and deep cultural heritage. It is normally performed on occasions of welcome, farewell, battle, celebration and protest, and is said to be a living embodiment of the Maori spirit, according to the organisers.

Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Minister Danasari Anasuya Seethakka joined the haka performers, dancing alongside them and drawing applause from the gathered devotees.

Addressing the gathering, the Minister, who hails from the Koya tribal community, observed that tribal cultures transcend national boundaries and linguistic barriers. “Tribals across the world live in harmony with forests and nature. Our lifestyles, beliefs and philosophies reflect a shared worldview,” she said, emphasising the universality of indigenous traditions.

Following the performance, the Maori delegation was taken for darshan of the tribal deities, where Minister Seethakka personally explained the history, mythology and significance of the Sammakka-Saralamma Jatara, which commemorates tribal resistance, ecological reverence and social justice.

In a gesture of mutual honour, the Minister presented the tribal representatives with traditional bangaram (jaggery) offerings symbolising respect and spiritual reciprocity.

Charu Das, Founder and Director of the CD Foundation, said that this unprecedented exchange was made possible with the support of State Tribal Welfare Minister Adluri Laxman Kumar, Tourism and Culture Minister Jupally Krishna Rao and diplomatic assistance from the High Commission of India in Wellington and the Consulate General of India in Auckland. She added that they organise such events to promote trade and cultural collaboration with partner countries in association with respective embassies.

District Collector T. S. Divakara, SP Sudhir R. Kekan and other officials were present at the event.