The Ashburton town of Canterbury is gearing up for an exciting and colorful event that celebrates cultural diversity and unity. The Ashburton Fashion Show 2023, organised by Ashburton Indian Multicultural Charitable Trust (AIMCT), is set to take place on June 24 at Ashburton Hotel.

AIMCT has been actively engaging with Ashburton's Kiwi-Indian community for the past 12 years, organising various events to promote cultural exchange and understanding. 

Aimed at bringing together people from different ethnic backgrounds, Ashburton Fashion Show celebrates the theme of ‘unity in diversity’.

The highly-anticipated event will take the audience on a journey through the vibrant cultural legacy of diverse ethnicities, including Indian, Spanish, Latin American, Samoan, Fiji and Bangla.

The runway shows will showcase performers dressed in their traditional ethnic attire, accompanied by music that represents their respective cultures. 

The audience will experience an explosion of energy with dynamic dance performances and soul-stirring music, taking them even deeper into the rich tapestry of cultural heritage. 

Ten groups have been lined up for the show, each representing a unique culture. Silky Sharma, who is organising the event, says, “Among the notable performances will be Bangla Dance Group promoting Bengali culture from India and Bangladesh, a special performance by a group of talented kids, Bollywood Group representing Indian culture, Soul Star Tribe Group from Christchurch, and T & T Group representing Samoan culture through clap dance. Additionally, there will be a Filipino group and a Latin American group from Ashburton.”

The organisers have been working diligently, and the groups are eagerly rehearsing and looking forward to showcasing their talent and culture on stage. 

The event has received tremendous support from Ashburton District Council and local businesses, signifying the importance of fostering cultural understanding, appreciation, and unity within the community.

The President of AIMCT, Bikash, said, “The purpose of bringing these kind of events is to give message in the community that despite difference in culture, language and food habits, all these communities live together peacefully and are ready to participate and celebrate each other's festivals.”

Ashburton Fashion Show 2023 is a free event that is open to all. In addition to the performances, visitors can explore a few stalls offering ethnic dresses for purchase. To further add to the excitement, lucky draws will be held for the audience. 

The event is expected to be attended by local councillors and board members who recognise the importance of supporting and participating in such multicultural events. The AIMCT has a rich history of organising various cultural events, including Holi and Diwali, over the past 12 years. 

Silky Sharma said, “From the last two years, I have added many new events like Ashburton Lohri, Ashburton Multicultural Night, Garba Dance. The response of the community towards these events encourages us to organise something new and different for them. So here we are with Ashburton Fashion Show 2023.”

Ashburton Fashion Show promises to be a vibrant showcase of the beauty and richness of various cultures, with some scintillating performances offering a chance for people from different backgrounds to come together, celebrate their heritage, and appreciate the multicultural fabric that enriches Ashburton's community.

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