Spectacular Diwali celebrations at King George Square organised by the Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland
The annual Diwali celebrations organised by the FICQ at the iconic King George Square stand as a highly anticipated event on the calendar, particularly for the expanding Indian diaspora in Brisbane.
The essence of ‘Unity in diversity’ is deeply ingrained in the Indian community’s ethos. Staying true to its mission, the FICQ has consistently fostered connections between the Indian diaspora and the broader community, paving the way for unity at the FICQ Diwali since 2010.
His Excellency Shri Manpreet Vohra, the High Commissioner of India to Australia, graced the occasion and shared with the attendees that the Consulate General of India office in Brisbane will open shortly. Representatives from all three levels of government attended the FICQ Diwali celebrations. Notable guests included Hon. Jim Chalmers, MP, Federal Treasurer and Member for Rankin, Senator the Hon Murray Watt, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and Minister for Emergency Management, Hon Luke Howarth MP, Member for Petrie, and Mr. Stephen Bates MP, Member for Brisbane, Mr. Jarrod Bleijie MP, Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Member for Kawana, and the Honourable Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Adrian Schrinner and Inspector Damien Houston, Officer in charge of the City Patrol Group, all eloquently delivered a speech about Diwali celebrations and the Indian Community that resonated well with the attendees.
To mark the special occasion, the Brisbane City Council lit up City Hall, King George Square, Victoria Bridge, and Story Bridge with the Indian tricolours, creating a festive and captivating atmosphere.
Annually, more than 15,000 people of Indian origin and members of the wider Southeast Queensland community participate in the event, underscoring the festival’s enduring success.
Despite the presence of rain this year, it failed to diminish the enthusiasm and energy of the attendees.
Dhol Tasha Sunshine Coast accorded dignitaries a Dhol Tasha honour while the expansive crowd joyously partook in and commemorated the festivities. Culinary and cultural entertainment played a pivotal role in the celebrations, unfolding throughout the day with diverse food offerings, songs, and dance performances representing various regions of India.
Recognising the relentless efforts of the FICQ committee members over several months, Mr. Anoop Nannuru, President of FICQ, expressed, “Diwali holds immense significance for the Indian community, and organising such a grand event is an enormous undertaking. From securing funds to ensuring financial viability to the meticulous execution and subsequent cleanup, each step requires tremendous effort. Additionally, the crucial role played by the families of the committee members is noteworthy. It’s truly gratifying to witness the unified support of the Indian community during this Diwali celebration. We extend our gratitude to all committee members, advisors, member organisation.
The event included live Parade by Brisbane Dhol Tasha with Warner Bros Characters. There were over twenty plus unique Performances, ten plus retail Shops and up to five variety food stalls. The event was Inaugurated by Mark Boothman MP, as the chief guest.
GOPIO Gold Coast hosted an outdoor Diwali Fair event on Sunday, November 19th, 2023. The celebration was a great success with over 1000 attendees, including many invited dignitaries.
GOPIO GC takes this opportunity to thank all our wonderful sponsors:
Bengali Society of Queensland (BSQ), thriving along the Brisbane River in Australia, proudly represents the heritage and culture of West Bengal along the Ganges River in Kolkata. Probasher Bangali feels at home along the meandering coasts of the Brisbane River and takes every opportunity to create and relive memories and moments of Kolkata so deeply rooted within. With profound care and love the BSQ community brings together every year the major events and festivities for all. The Bengali Society of Queensland has grown consistently and has spread its wings wide, bringing Probashi Bangali under one banner. Today, BSQ is one of the most populated Bengali communities of Queensland. This is the time of the year when new members are added to the BSQ fraternity every year – students, migrants, interstate movers and a large number of non-Bangali friends would flock to become a member and be a part of the family. It is the strong bond of childhood memories, lifestyle, food, bedtime stories, music, dance, movies, celebrations, shopping, adda, festivities and last but not the least, the Sharodiya and Diwali months, make a big difference to all. BSQ rekindles the greatest feeling of belonging and nostalgia that bonds every member into positive vibes and family feeling in a country that feels like home.
This year on the auspicious day, 14th October, BSQ members woke up early morning with the devotional voice of Sri Birendra Krishna Bhadra’s chanting of the Mahalaya. Every Bangali waits patiently to reflect on the spiritual journey of Devi Durga and seek her blessings listening closely with family the Vedic chants relaying the creation of Katyayani Maa Durga, broadcasted by Australian Indian Radio, one of the proud sponsors of BSQ. This is the beginning of Devi Pokhya, heralds the homecoming of Uma ( The other name of Ma Durga) that culminates into the Sharodiya Durgotsav, the biggest and the richest festival of every Bangali, spread in any corner of this planet. The festivities and celebrations are aimed to embrace the ritual of homecoming, be with their loved ones and share the prosperity together. Every day is to be felt like a new and happy day, welcome happiness and gather resources to make the ten days a memorable one until next year. Engage in Sharodiya Mantra – Pujo-r Gondho, with Pujo-r Bazar, Pujo-r Mandop, Pujo-r Alochona, Pujo-r Gaan, Pujo Shonkhya, and Pujo-r Anondyo – “Ay re chutey ay pujor gondho eshechey…“
Long before we heard the bells of Mahalaya and was singing along to the tunes of Agomoni Gaan, our Pujo Mandap’s decoration and theme was well and truly underway under the most creative and experienced hands of one member legend. BSQ’s Sri Sri Durga Mandap is a surprise that is brought to life and finally unveiled the evening before Saptami Pujo. Brisbane is lucky to get a new one each year. The devotees visiting the venue will spend time to admire most intriguingly the art and engineering masterpiece. BSQ is proud and immensely lucky to adorn Devi Durga with a unique backdrop every year since 2009. The garage, in a quiet Western Brisbane Suburban home of the couple, becomes the most active ground of design and artwork, quite in tradition to Kolkata Mandaps. Like the excitement of the Mahalaya, the new Mandap is an excitement, together with the lights which is done by another member’s couple keeping the same traditional Kolkatas lighting. The decorations, announcements of the activities and events that brings everyone together on a Friday evening after work to support in the display and make Durga-Pujo an event to come back to.
Durga Pujo is always full of emotion and nostalgia, and Brisbane’s Probash-er-Bangali community (BSQ) does care about it all – the planning, the management and the execution is no less than what can be a daughter’s hand in marriage. Not any minor chance of “missing out” will be accepted. Every detail goes into making the logistics, safety, entertainment, food, and brotherhood a great success. Any new member will strive to be a part of this mammoth display of worship and cultural extravaganza for their younger generation to witness and be a part of. A five-day event is zipped into two and half days – needs a powerful and action-packed arena. It is possible only with the support of all members, sponsors, donations, volunteers, earlier success stories and the hard work of BSQ Executive Committee. A major initiative also goes in bringing together other communities, Brisbane Council Members, The Local Councilors, The Prime Minister’s Office, the Premier’s Office, the sponsors, The Media Partners and event partners to join in the festivities and continue the strong bond of friend and mateship. Every community and ethnic group find time to support and embrace in the celebration of the Navaratri festival that is better known for BSQ as Durga Pujo.
It is by the tradition of the utsav and the rituals, Maa Durga is adorned with the best jewelleries, sarees, offerings and music-dance-happiness that takes prosperity to the pinnacle. Kolkata’s family and Bonedi pujo style becomes the background of what is seen replicated at BSQ pujo mandap. The flowers, the fresh fruits and vegetables, the delicious home-made bhog, the sugondhi dhuup-dhuno, kashor-ghonta and above all the kola bou is never forgotten. It is a grand show of ladies and gents in their best attire these three days working since early morning to midnight from chopping veggies, frying the luchi, cooking the meals, running errands, to packing and cleaning relentlessly. This pujo season, BSQ has welcomed 1000 guest attendees and served 3000 plus visitors through Friday to Sunday at Coorparoo Secondary College. BSQ was proud to receive letters of appreciation and acknowledgement from the Prime Minister’s and Premier’s Office along with our community stakeholders that went as record and is published in our Annual Magazine or Barshiki Patrika – Kashphool’23. The Kashphool – as the name says, symbolises the season of Devi Durga’s homeward journey. We enrich her homecoming releasing the magazine that showcases the creativity and talent that the members share from all levels. We acknowledge our sponsors, advertisers, members’ art, literature, recounts, life experiences and preserve it as a memory to cherish with family and friends.
“Our mission is to promote Taiwanese culture through cinematic art,” said Kaijung Yu, CEO of Taiwan Film Festival in Brisbane, “presenting Taiwan’s profound history, abundant nature, contemporary social issues and people to the Australian audience as part of our celebration to multi-culturalism.”
Written, directed and played by indigenous people, the closing film “Gaga” portrays a Taiwanese indigenous family, the members’ relationship, struggles, and dilemmas between adapting to the modern world and keeping the ancestors’ doctrine. “Very sad, but beautiful,” commented a viewer after the screening.
The Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Awards for Business celebrate the contribution multicultural businesses make to the Brisbane economy and community through their creativity, innovation and resilience.
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.
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).