A good curry and the latest Bollywood tunes were key ingredients for a fun women’s night out at an Auckland Baptist church.
Earlier this year, Hills Church, also known as Hillsborough Baptist, was transformed into a colourful venue filled with the smell of spice and the sound of Indian pop.
Now in its second year, the church’s Bollywood Women’s Night attracts more than 100 women of all ages from the community.
The evening’s meal was catered for by a local chef who offered a variety of curries and a mountain of naan, which was quickly devoured.
Following dinner, the women were treated to a demonstration on how to wear a sari before everyone was fitted and dressed by a team armed with dozens of donated saris.
This year’s performances included classical Indian and modern Bollywood dances. This was followed by a testimony from a new Christian, musical performances and a dance tutorial.
The dance tutorial is a popular part of the night as women take to the dance floor and spend the rest of the evening giving Indian dance a go.
The Mount Roskill electorate, where Hills Church is based, has undergone considerable cultural change in the last few decades, transitioning to become one of the most culturally diverse suburbs in New Zealand.
In response to this change, Hills Church has evolved and the Bollywood evening is just part of the church’s heart to be an intercultural family.
In May, the church welcomed Anil and Reena Kant to the leadership team. The Kants are well-recognised Christian media personalities throughout Asia and will develop Hills Church’s missional and intercultural ministries.
Last year, the couple visited the church and hosted evangelism training as well as a cultural music event at a local school that was attended by 300 community members.
Story: Elesha Gordon
