Ganga Aarti Brisbane Style: A Harmonious Celebration on the Banks of Maiwar River
On a sunny Sunday afternoon, Maiwar River (Brisbane River) came alive with the vibrant colours of devotion during a heartwarming Ganga aarti ceremony. Approximately 400 people gathered, their spirits lifted by the perfect weather, the stunning riverside setting at Newstead Park, and the uplifting music. The gathering was to mark Ganga Dassea.
One of the organisers Marina Chand from Shiva-Shakti Maa Charitable Foundation, the charitable arm of the Sai Saileshwara Mandiram, said that the event was “A dream come true – a beautiful fusion of cultures paying homage to both Mother Maiwar and Mother Ganga on such an auspicious day”. She also said that having such a large crowd participate in the event was really heartening which encouraged unity and harmony among all the groups in attendance. “Ganga brings us all together – regardless of which community we are from. Everyone loves to participate in Ganga aarti and it’s a great family event too”.
Turrbal Songwoman Baringa Barambah Meeanjinu graced the gathering, invoking her ancestral heritage with powerful songs and stories including a Turrbal creation song that celebrates the Maiwar River. Attendees were moved by her performance and learned of the Turrbal people’s resilience—once thousands strong, but reduced to only 50 survivors during colonisation. Through Songwoman Baringa, the energy of the ancestors blessed the proceedings.
Guruji Sai Saileshwara led the kirtan and prayers, infusing the atmosphere with invocations, mantras and song. As the aarti program concluded, Soul Sounds, the talented musicians, had many dancing in celebration.
The highlight of the evening was the collective Ganga aarti. Songwoman Baringa and Marina Chand jointly performed the main aarti, while everyone present had the opportunity to also offer aarti to the beloved Brisbane River. After all, Brisbane is rightfully known as the River City.
