Culture

Cook Island Language Week

Cook Islands Language Week is a time to celebrate the unique language, culture, and heritage of the Cook Islands community. It’s an opportunity to raise awareness and encourage the use of the Cook Islands Māori language, both within families and the wider community.

The week highlights the importance of keeping the language strong by passing it on to future generations through everyday conversations, stories, and cultural traditions.

Kia Orana! – a warm greeting that means “may you live long” – is one of the many beautiful phrases shared during this celebration.

Raksha Bandhan

Raksha Bandhan is a special festival celebrated by many Hindu and Indian families in Sri Lanka and around the world. It honours the love between brothers and sisters.

On this day, sisters tie a colourful thread called a rakhi around their brothers’ wrists to show their care and protection. In return, brothers give a small gift and promise to look after their sisters. It’s a lovely tradition that brings families together and celebrates the importance of strong, supportive relationships.