The vibrant celebration of India’s 79th Independence Day was marked not only across India but also around the world, reflecting the growing global significance of the Indian diaspora and the enduring spirit of freedom and cultural unity. In a particularly heart-warming moment that captured international attention, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon joined in the festivities in South Auckland and could be seen grooving to the iconic Indian song “Dama Dam Mast Kalandar”. The moment, which was captured on video and shared on the Prime Minister’s official Instagram page, quickly went viral, delighting members of the Indian community both in New Zealand and abroad.

At the Due Drop Events Centre on Saturday evening, the Indian community gathered in large numbers to commemorate India’s 79th Independence Day, a day that marks the country’s freedom from British rule on 15 August 1947. The event featured flag hoisting, cultural performances, and a range of traditional musical programmes that showcased the colours and diversity of Indian culture. Among the highlights was a live performance by Indian singer Shibani Kashyap, known for her soulful renditions of iconic Indian patriotic and folk songs. During her performance of “Dama Dam Mast Kalandar”, she invited Prime Minister Luxon to join her on the stage, and he responded warmly, offering an energetic and joyful dance that drew a massive round of applause from the crowd.

“INNZ Just two Dads getting in the groove for Indian Independence Day in South Auckland,” Luxon later wrote in the caption of his Instagram post, referring to himself and another attendee in a light-hearted manner. In a subsequent post on X (formerly Twitter), he shared photos from the event and wrote, “Joining in the fun with the Indian Community celebrating India Independence Day.” These simple social media messages have been widely praised for showcasing cultural inclusivity and for strengthening the ever-growing bond between New Zealand and the Indian diaspora residing in the country.

India’s 79th Independence Day: A Nationwide Celebration

Back home in India, 79th Independence Day was observed with patriotic fervor and grand celebrations across the nation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in keeping with tradition, unfurled the tricolour at the Red Fort in New Delhi and delivered a passionate address to the nation. In his speech, he highlighted the government’s achievements, the importance of self-reliance, and the vision for a progressive and developed India over the next 25 years as part of the Amrit Kaal roadmap.

From schools and colleges to government buildings, residential societies, and remote villages, the day was marked by enthusiastic flag hoisting ceremonies, cultural programmes, and tributes to freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the country’s independence. Children dressed as national heroes, folk dancers performed regional art forms, and patriotic songs resonated across neighbourhoods. In cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad, public spaces were decorated with saffron, white and green banners, and tricolour-themed marathons, street plays and exhibitions were organised throughout the day.

Independence Day Celebrations Across the World

What made this year’s Independence Day particularly notable was the scale of global participation. Indian embassies and consulates in countries including Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Singapore, Japan, the United Arab Emirates and the United States hosted special ceremonies to honour the occasion. Large gatherings of the Indian diaspora proudly participated in flag hoisting programmes, cultural performances, and traditional Indian food festivals, emphasising how the celebration of Indian freedom has become a cornerstone of the global Indian identity.

One historic moment came from Seattle, Washington in the United States, where, for the first time ever, the Indian tricolour was raised atop the iconic Space Needle. Built in 1962 for the World Fair, the Space Needle has long stood as a symbol of Seattle’s futuristic aspirations and is one of the most easily recognised architectural landmarks in the United States. On August 15, the Consul General of India in Seattle, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, and other city officials came together to participate in the flag-raising ceremony, acknowledging the important role played by the Indian American community in shaping Seattle's rise as a global technology hub. The sight of the Indian flag fluttering proudly over the Seattle skyline was hailed as a historic moment of diplomatic friendship and cultural respect.

The Role of the Indian Diaspora in Strengthening International Relations

The enthusiastic participation of international leaders, such as New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, at Indian cultural events underscores the increasing importance of the Indian diaspora in strengthening diplomatic relationships around the world. With more than 32 million people of Indian origin living across the globe, the diaspora acts as a powerful cultural and economic bridge between India and the countries they reside in.
Events such as the Auckland Independence Day celebration serve not only as cultural gatherings but also as platforms for dialogue, partnership and cultural diplomacy. By taking part in the event and dancing to an iconic Indian song like “Dama Dam Mast Kalandar”, Prime Minister Luxon demonstrated a willingness to engage with India at a people-to-people level, a gesture that received admiration from Indian expatriates and policymakers alike.

Throughout his interactions during the event, Luxon expressed deep appreciation for the Indian community’s contributions to New Zealand’s social and economic development, highlighting their role in innovation, small business enterprise, technology, education and healthcare. He reiterated New Zealand’s commitment to enhancing ties with India, noting that both countries share the values of democracy, multiculturalism and mutual respect.

Cultural Significance of “Dama Dam Mast Kalandar”

The song “Dama Dam Mast Kalandar” holds a special place in the hearts of many Indians around the world. Written in honour of Sufi saint Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, the song has roots in Sufi poetry and music and has been sung in various forms by renowned Indian and Pakistani artists over the decades. It has become an integral part of festivals, celebrations and cultural gatherings, often used to express unity, joy and spiritual connection.

When Shibani Kashyap invited the New Zealand PM to dance on stage with her, it was not merely a spontaneous act of celebration; it was a symbolic moment of cross-cultural unity, where a foreign leader embraced Indian traditions and engaged with the diaspora on a deep cultural level. The audience responded with enthusiastic applause, and the moment has since been hailed as a historic example of soft diplomacy in action.

Strengthening Cultural Ties through Festive Engagement

The celebrations in Auckland and Seattle highlight how Independence Day has evolved into a global cultural event, bringing together not just Indians but also local communities and political leaders in other countries. Through dance, music and traditional ceremonies, the spirit of Indian independence is shared around the globe, strengthening the bond between India and nations that value diversity and cultural exchange.
By posting his dance video under the caption “two Dads getting in the groove”, Prime Minister Luxon humanised political leadership and showcased how culture can bridge the formal barriers of diplomacy, transforming a political leader into a participant in a common celebration.

Looking Ahead

Looking ahead, the growing involvement of foreign leaders in Indian community events is likely to continue, especially as the Indian diaspora plays an increasingly prominent role in the political, cultural and economic landscapes of their host countries. Whether it's a Prime Minister dancing on stage in South Auckland or a historic flag-raising ceremony in Seattle, these symbolic gestures send a powerful message of friendship, respect and shared values.
For India, such participation reinforces the idea that its culture and democratic ideals are recognised and celebrated worldwide. For the host countries, it strengthens ties with one of the world’s largest and most influential democracies, opening new opportunities for bilateral cooperation, trade and people-to-people engagement.

As global celebrations of India’s 79th Independence Day come to a close, the memory of New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon dancing to “Dama Dam Mast Kalandar” will remain a standout example of how joy, music and cultural pride can bring people together even across continents.

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