BAPS Diwali and Annakut celebrated in Queensland Parliament house
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Temple, Kingston hosted the Diwali & Annakut celebration at the Queensland Parliament on Wednesday, 29th November. The significant event has now become a popular celebration at Queensland Parliament house.
The event was a great success with the blessing of HDH Mahant Swami Maharaj and dedication and devotion of the BAPS volunteers.
The main attendees were The Premier – Annastacia Palaszczuk, Hon. Speaker – Curtis Pitt MP, Hon. Treasurer – Cameron Dick MP, Hon. Health Minister -Shannon Fentiman MP, Hon. Education minister – Grace Grace MP, Leader of opposition – David Crisafulli MP, Member for Surfers Paradise – John-Paul Langbroek MP, Queensland police commissioner – Katarina Carroll APM, parliamentarians, Honorary Counsel for India in Queensland – Mrs Archanna Singh ji and Indian community leaders.
It was heartening to see all the invited dignitaries take part in Aarti (Deep parjillan) with lighted tea-lights on their hand. Mantras were recited for the offering of the prepared variety of foods (traditionally thousand varieties/annakuts).
All the speakers highlighted the importance of the event and they elaborated on the deeper meaning and message of Diwali. The Premier thanked the community for their efforts and thanked everyone who had attended her reception in November.
David Crisafulli MP said he was honoured and humbled by the gesture and how he was always welcomed in the community at various events. He specially thanked the young MC for his excellent handling of the important role.
Every year BAPS is touching a new milestone, and it is only possible because of the support of the parliamentarians and Indian community leaders. During the event special presentations on the progress of major BAPS temples throughout the word was show, these included, New Jersy, Abu Dhabi and Sydney. The Sydney project has begun with a massive retaining wall and footings. The team of engineers reported that they have never seen a retaining wall of that magnitude.
The event which included mantra recitals, bhajans and speeches, concluded with light meal and refreshments for everyone.
