Oikotan Durga Pujo 2022 – The Second Edition of the themed Pujo in Brisbane
Oikotan Inc. (formerly Oikotan) has grown leaps and bounds in the last one year since its inception in May 2021. 2022 marked a very special year in the journey they set out on where they organized their second edition of “Durga Pujo” in Brisbane. This year was even more special for them as the event marked the beginning of a lot of new traditions.
New Traditions – New idol and two-day affair
This year, participants and team members offered their prayers to the new idol which was unveiled for the first time to the public this year.
Oikotan Inc. in only their second year also managed to start a multi-day celebration of their biggest festival/event over the weekends which marked the beginning of a new tradition which will be followed for several years in the future.
The making of their “Pandal”
Oikotan Durga Pujo, a theme based “pujo”, was all about replicating terracotta mandir adorned with intricate detailing and hand drawn wall art. The planning and execution took two-three months to deliver from procuring of materials to cutting to shape and painting on them. While most of the décor was procured in Australia, some had to be ordered from India to make it look more beautiful and complete the look.
Participants and important Dignitaries
Oikotan Inc. in just their second year managed to double their participation from last year’s number with a cumulative footfall of over 500 people over the two days.
This year the festival was inaugurated by Mr Jimmy Sullivan MP, Member for Stafford who represented the Premier of Queensland, Annastacia Palaszczuk, along with Councillor Cath Tonks of the Moreton Bay Regional Council. Day 2 of the event signified lighting of the lamp by Cr. Cath Tonks and Peter John Flannery, Mayor of the Moreton Bay Regional Council.
Pujo Rituals
The traditional Durga Pujo meal of ‘Khichudi’, ‘Labda’ and ‘Chatni’ arranged by Oikotan not only hit the right spot of traditionalism, but it was also appreciated by each participant on day 2 where over 150+ people had the traditional lunch while over 180+ people indulged in some lip-smacking Indian meals on the first day. Food stall was a welcome addition for all as chai, samosas and pani puri (Phuchka in Bengali) were sold out within the first couple of hours. The fun was doubled up with relentless Adda (casual chit chats), pictures with Maa Durga in a relaxed yet a celebratory environment.
Debi Boron, Sindur Khela and Traditional Dance
Traditionally, Dashami marks the end of the puja rituals. However, the age-old tradition of giving a farewell to “Maa Durga” by women draped in beautiful traditional sarees was followed at the Oikotan pujo as well where the members bid their beloved daughter a final send off for this year often with tears in their eyes following that up with applying red vermillion on each other’s face which is yet another age-old tradition. While sadness creeped in, celebrations were still on as participants and team members from age groups soon broke into the traditional dance form to the tunes of a very traditional drumbeats, “Dhak er awaj”.
Cultural Program
Yet another first for this year and following the tradition back home in Kolkata, team Oikotan organized cultural program on both the days. New and old members showcased their creative sides ranging from dance, recitation to singing and drama. Some of the core team members made their debut in a drama which was a highlight of the day alongside a brilliant Bharatnatyam dance performance by one of the participants. Day 2 performances were equally matched by audio drama, recitation by one of the youngest members along with a tribute to the legendary KK with the proceedings being concluded by a fashion show where more than 20 members showed off heir traditional attire to the loud and cheering crowd. A sumptuous meal soon followed thereby signalling an end to Oikotan Durga Pujo 2022.
Councilor Sandy Landers shared her lived experience and thoughts on the importance of raising awareness and going beyond understanding to action. There was a presentation by the Black dog institute followed by a powerful and thought-provoking dance by the Nishaan group. This was followed by keynote speeches, Associate professor Dr. Alka Kothari came with a well-researched presentation focused on the importance of men’s mental health, especially during childbirth. At the same time, the female partner gets attention often, and the mental status of men during this time is overlooked. Prof Nigar Khawaja (Ph.D.), Drago Ileana – Queensland Transcultural Mental Health Centre, and Evelyn Nguyen; Umesh Chandra OAM joined the speakers in the panel session moderated by Arpit Singh.
SPRING HILL, the annual Gandhi Jayanti organized by GOPIO Queensland and supported by FICQ, GSML, Gandhi Statue committee, and other organizations, was held at Gandhi statue near gate six of Roma Street Parkland prescient on 2nd October.
Despite the rainy conditions, staunch supporters of the cause gathered at the statue to pay tributes; Umesh Chandra OAM, the MC, welcomed everyone to the event, and mentioned that while we celebrated Gandhi Ji’s birthday, we should not forget Lal Bahadur Shastri Ji who was also born on 2nd October.
Voters are reminded that Saturday 21 May is election day, and support is available to help them have their say in Australia’s future.
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This year, Life Eternal Trust Australia [LETA], popularly known as Sahaja Yoga Meditation organised a public program on Sunday, 20th March from 12 noon to 5 pm at the Sutton’s Beach, Redcliffe to celebrate cultural diversity, and promote LETA’s 30 years of contributions to socio-cultural and economic life, encouraging social cohesion and inclusiveness within the Moreton Bay Region.
The official segment of the program started from 2 pm with Aunty Betty delivering a very insightful acknowledgement of country and Adjunct Professor Dr Sudipto Roy extending a warm welcome on behalf of LETA to all the participants, including the online participants who had tuned in from across Australia and other parts of the world.
Sudipto shared the message from Leanne Linard MP [Minister for Children and Youth Justice and Minister for Multicultural Affairs] highlighting the significance of the program and acknowledging LETA’s contribution to Queensland, Moreton Bay Region in particular. Councillor Sandra Ruck [Division 5 Moreton Bay Region], Councillor Steven Huang [The MacGregor Ward] and Brett Johnson [LETA National Coordinator] shared their wonderful messages of hope and harmony along with deep insights about the benefits of the program.
The speeches were interspersed with live music and instrumental music performances. LETA’s music group Sahaj Sangeet captivated the audience with lively music, rhythmic hand movements and clapping. Coralie Jessop on Santoor with Rudrodipto Roy on tabla thrilled the audience while Rudrodipto’s Saxophone rendition Maroon 5’s “Memories” left the audience with an invigorating experience.
In the last session, Leanne Lingard demonstrated simple meditation techniques followed by a soothing piece by Gaspar Hunt on piano to reduce stress, improve mental and physical health and wellbeing. Sudipto concluded the program with a vote of thanks, acknowledging Moreton Bay Regional Council for proudly supporting the event with generous funding, and invited the participants to join follow-up sessions and programs.
Sandeep Mann can’t wipe the smile off her face as she nurses her newborn baby girl – a special delivery on Valentine’s Day.
Mrs Mann said her relatives in India were “very excited” about Vaani’s Valentine’s Day arrival.
