Happy New Year to all our AIT readers!
The new year is here, and it’s time for many to celebrate the Year of the Wood Snake, beginning on January 29th, 2025, and ending on February 16th, 2026. The Year of the Wood Snake symbolizes growth, creativity, and flexibility. It’s described as a time for introspection and strategic personal development. Many believe that the Wood Snake year offers opportunities to deepen relationships, advance professional goals, and strengthen connections with nature. The Snake is the sixth animal in the 12-year cycle of the Vietnamese and Chinese zodiacs. I’d love to hear your thoughts in the coming months on how this year resonates with you. Were you born in a Year of the Snake? People born in 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, or 2025 are Snakes. Whether you’re a Snake or not, remember to make time for walks to benefit your mental and physical well-being.
In response to our readers’ requests, I’m delighted to share some exciting upcoming free family-friendly events. In Richlands, the Vietnamese Community in Australia – Queensland Chapter will host their annual Lunar New Year festival from January 24th to 25th, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM at 315 Freeman Road, Richlands. This free event welcomes people of all ages and cultures. I have volunteered at this event from a very young age, so I can assure you it’s an event not to be missed. Grace church will be doing some important fundraising, so please stop by to say hello and buy some delicious traditional Vietnamese food. They have some important goals that we need to support them meet in 2025.
Another highlight is the Greater Springfield Kite Festival on January 19th, 2025, at Woodcrest State College Oval, Springfield, hosted by the Greater Springfield Indian Association INC. A big thanks to President Murkesh Dubay and his team for making this event a yearly success. So much fun in one day makes it another event that you shouldn’t miss.
Last month, I had the pleasure of attending the Platinum Events Services Gold Coast’s Sponsors & Volunteers Appreciation Dinner, hosted by President Manish Saini and his team. Hearing from community and business leaders who are making a grassroots difference was inspiring, including our very own JD Deo. Great to hear from community and business leaders dedicated to enriching both the Indian and broader communities and learn about many upcoming Indian and multicultural events in 2025.
Thank you for the positive feedback from readers! It was nice to meet many of our readers who attended the Forest Lake Festival in December 2024. A big round of applause to Sargam Music and all the performers, volunteers, and everyone who made this event possible. Every year, I love volunteering at the festival with my mum. Spreading the cheer didn’t stop there for me. I enjoyed volunteering at the Community Uniting Church’s Blessing Day thanks to Rev.Emma and her team who made sure hundreds of presents and food hampers were given to families in need in the Ellen Grove area and surrounding suburbs, and at the Forest Lake Elevate Church’s annual Christmas lunch hosted by Pastor Mavis and Raj and their team. The room was full during the service and free community lunch. I have been volunteering with this team from an early age and while the rooms get larger it never stops Elevate from making sure everyone is welcomed and made treated with all the love in the world. It’s truly rewarding to help others, especially during the festive season.
I would also like to thank Pastor Hoa Trinh, Diem Nguyen, Narelle Ngo, youth team leader Wang, Fu, and the youth team for making me feel so welcome at their Multicultural Youth Service and Youth Christmas Night celebration. I was taken aback by how the Vietnamese Grace Church has gone above and beyond to shine the spirit of Christmas. Their handmade decorations, crafted with hundreds of hours of volunteer work, made the event special for families and spread joy. In 2025, their goal is to continue supporting youth, families, and seniors, fostering an environment of forgiveness, togetherness, and hope. Pastor Hoa kindly gave me a tour and showed me how she has helped raise funds for the blind and young people affected by drugs and other real issues. If you can donate or help them reach their goal of buying a bus to transport their youth and other members, please reach out to them or me.
On January 26th, let’s take a moment to reflect on Indian Republic Day. Understanding the difference between Republic Day and Independence Day is crucial for our cultural heritage. While November 26, 1949, marked the end of colonial rule with the adoption of the Constitution, January 26, 1950, is when the Constitution of India came into effect, establishing India as a sovereign republic.
This month, World Interfaith Harmony Week, celebrated from February 1st to 7th, aims to foster peace and harmony among people of all faiths. It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate shared values and promote unity.
This month, we also celebrate traditional Indian festivals:
• Makar Sankranti/Lohri on January 14th: Makar Sankranti marks the beginning of the harvest season, and Lohri involves bonfires and prayers for a good harvest.
• Pongal on January 26th: A multi-day Tamil festival dedicated to the Sun God Surya, marking the end of the winter solstice.
I’m excited to announce the JD and his family have supported me with my schooling by being my mentor but have now offered me the opportunity to continue to write for the Brisbane Indian Times in 2025. Thanks to JD and his family for this once in the lifetime opportunity. I’ll be starting my surveys in March, so start thinking about what topics matter to you. That’s why I’m extending the gift card entries into March. Until next month, stay safe and reach out if you need anything.
