Kannada Rajyotsava and Deepavali 2023
Kannada Rajyotsava and Deepavali, organised by Kannada Sangha Queensland on 5th Nov 2023 at Coorparoo Secondary College, captivated audiences and marked a resounding success, celebrating Karnataka’s statehood and the Festival of Lights with fervour and enthusiasm. The festivities started with vibrant colours, traditional music and dance performances that showcased the State’s rich heritage, creating an atmosphere of joy and unity.
The event commemorated Karnataka’s linguistic and cultural diversity and fostered a sense of pride and belonging among the Kannada-speaking community in Queensland. Families dressed in traditional attire added to the splendour, bringing alive the spirit of Deepavali. A diverse range of cultural activities engaged attendees throughout the day. The Kannada Sangha’s commitment to inclusivity was evident in the varied program, catering to the tastes of a broad audience.
Team Aigiri – President- Sowmya Gowda, Vice President -Vardhinedi NagaJyothi, Secretary – JayChandra Rathnakar, Treasurer – Sushma Shankar, PRO- Roopa Rao have all worked tirelessly to ensure smooth operations, while the attendees’ enthusiasm and support created an infectious energy.
Karnataka’s famous singers, Shashikala Sunil and Chethan Naik’s performances, set against the backdrop of Kannada Rajyotsava and Deepavali celebrations, contributed to making the event a holistic cultural experience. The echoes of their performances lingered as a harmonious reminder of the state’s musical legacy.
The event’s main attraction featured a brief video presentation by Brisbane Kannada Shale led by Sneha Mahesh along with volunteers Ramya Anil and Chinmaya M Hegde, spotlighting the impressive talents and newly acquired language skills of the children in reading and writing Kannada. Since its establishment in February 2023, Brisbane Kannada Shaale has achieved a significant milestone, with the kids even sending handwritten Kannada letters to their grandparents in India.
Joe Kelly, MP for Greenslopes; Councillor Fiona Cunningham from Coorparoo ward; Councillor Angela Owen, representing Calamvale ward; and Prakruthi Gururaj, the representative for Stretton MP James Martin, along with Anoop Nannuru- the President of FICQ, were honoured as chief guests at the event. KSQ also warmly welcomed representatives from various organizations, sponsors, and our supporters, Umesh Chandra OAM and Usha Chandra from Brisbane Indian Times, who graced the occasion with their presence.
Kannada Sangha Queensland’s dedication to organising a memorable celebration was evident in every detail. As attendees departed with hearts full of cultural pride and memories, the event stood as a testament to the vibrancy of Karnataka’s heritage and the unity of the Kannada-speaking community in Queensland.
