Chhattisgarh govt started celebrating 14th February as Matri-Pitri Pujan Diwas & Rajasthan Govt decided to start from 2025

Across Australia, the event garnered significant attention and was celebrated in temples and community halls.

Matridevo Bhava; Pitridevo Bhava’ – Regard your mother as a god; regard your father as a god.
The content of this article is based on the satsang (spiritual discourse) of H.H. Sant Shri Asharam ji Bapu. Swami Vivekananda addressed the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago in September 1893. A hundred years after him, Pujya Bapu Ji addressed the same Parliament in September 1993 and the whole parliament reverberated with the chanting of Hari Om. Both of these world-renowned spiritual leaders addressed the audience for much longer period than the given time and the audience were absorbed in listening to them.
To save the youth who are being ruined due to the lustful festivals like valentine’s day, in 2007 Pujya Bapu ji-initiated celebrations of Matri-Pitri Pujan Diwas (Parents worship day) on 14th February. Pujya Bapu ji felt that, due to the blind imitation of Western culture there has been a steep rise in the incidences of alcoholism, suicide, and other immoral activities, especially among the youth during the last week of December. To rescue the youth from this debauchery and denigration, Pujya Bapu ji came up with the idea of worshipping a sacred Tulsi plant (holy basil). So, with a view to awaken the cultural pride of the India and to save the countrymen from mental slavery, in 2014, he initiated celebration of Tulsi pujan on 25th December. Pujya Bapu Ji has always emphasized the necessity to follow rich Indian culture and always said that it is only the Indian culture and Sanatana dharma which can give the world happiness & peace.
Dear readers, the global observance of Matri Pitri Pujan Diwas (Parents’ Worship Day) experienced a notable upsurge in participation, with a growing number of community members, organizations, educational institutions, religious institutions, and social groups actively joining this unique festival. It’s a day when kids from all backgrounds come together to worship their parents. They put a tilak on their foreheads, put a garland of flowers around their neck, and basically treat them like gods! It’s a way for them to show their all respect and get parents’ blessings.
In some Indian states, namely Maharashtra, Haryana, Odisha, and Madhya Pradesh, February 14th, is celebrated as “Matri-Pitri Pujan Diwas”. On this day, schools, parks, and temples host events where children participate in rituals to honour their parents.
In a significant step, Chhattisgarh’s Chief Minister (CM), Vishnu Deo Sai declared that state govt will celebrate 14th Feb as Matri-Pitri Pujan Diwas. A state level event was organised on 14th February 2024 to celebrate Matri-Pitri Pujan Diwas. In order to counter the growing popularity of Valentine’s Day (14 February), the Rajasthan government also decided that schools must celebrate it as Matri-Pitri Pujan Day. The govt decided to include 14th February as Matri-Pitri Pujan Diwas in the Department of Education’s school calendar from 2025.
In Brisbane, the event was celebrated in Northgate Hall Northgate. Over 100 members of the community came together for the event and had a very happy and emotional time. In the aftermath of the event, a wave of emotion washed over all the entire families. Parents and children alike were seen wiping away tears, their faces reflecting the depth of their feelings. Shri Umesh Chandra Ji & Smt. Usha Chandra Ji served as the distinguished chief guests for the event. In recognition of their participation, all the children were gifted with school bags. Shri Umesh Chandra ji addressed the attendees and delivered an amazing speech appreciating the great initiative by Sant Shri Asharamji Bapu.
The event garnered widespread community engagement in Melbourne and was commemorated at many locations. A wave of enthusiasm swept through Melbourne for the event, leading to widespread celebrations at Sri Durga Temple, Maa Vaishno Devi Temple, Seedhpeeth Kali Mata Mandir and at Salwater community Centre.
To listen Vedic/knowldge stories or to listen 24X7 live divine Satsang, please search “Mangalmay live” on google, visit http://www.ashram.org/live or search “THE SBM STUDIO” on you tube. By the Divine Inspiration of Bapu Ji, the weekly sessions of Bal Sanskar and yoga are held in Brisbane and in Sydney. These sessions are aimed for the character, mental, intellectual and spiritual development of the kids. Please read more about our Vedic culture in the next issue of “The Brisbane Indian Times.”
For more info about Bal Sanskar and yoga sessions, to get a free copy of monthly spiritual magazine Rishi-Prasad in your mail box in Australia or to get free online subscription of Rishi -Prasad, please contact by email at [email protected] or by WhatsApp/phone to Ashok Attri and Anu Attri at +61 426 834 434 & +61 405 277 802

Taiwan Imagery Exhibition 2024 opens at Queensland Taiwan Centre during the Taiwan Culture Festival

Opening Ceremony of Taiwan Imagery Exhibition, 2024 Taiwan Culture Festival
Queensland Taiwan Centre took place on Saturday, the seventieth of February.
The event was attended by participating artists, Diplomats, elected representatives, representatives of the Overseas Community Affairs Council of Taiwan, OAMs, community leaders, community advocates and educational leaders.
Edward Lin -CEO of Australia Taiwan Culture Foundation Ltd, as usual performed the MC duties diligently
Aunty Peggy Tidyman conducted an acknowledgement of Country; the formalities included speeches by Melody Chen, William Fan, Director-General of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Brisbane, Peter Russo MP, Queensland Parliament Member for Toohey, James Martina MP, Queensland Parliament Member for Stretton, Cr Steven Huang, Brisbane Councillor for MacGregor Ward, Charles Ouyang, Director of Queensland Taiwan Centre, and Susan Yang, President of WAMCI.

In her Speech Susan Yang said, “Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, and cherished members of our vibrant community,
With immense joy and pride, I welcome you to the Taiwan Imagery Exhibition, a featured 2024 Taiwan Culture Festival event here in Brisbane, Australia.
Today, we gather at the Queensland Taiwan Centre to celebrate the rich tapestry of Taiwanese and Australian artistry through this showcase, featuring the works of 15 talented artists, which serves as a testament to the power of cultural exchange and collaboration.
In this gathering, we are honoured to have distinguished guests from various walks of life – politicians, representatives of cultural organisations, members of the media, the esteemed Order of Australia, and cherished members of our diverse communities. Your presence not only adds lustre to this event but also reflects the inclusive spirit that defines the very essence of this festival.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the artists whose creativity graces these walls – a fusion of Taiwanese and Australian perspectives, each canvas a testament to the unifying language of art. As we navigate these artworks’ intricate brushstrokes and captivating narratives, let us appreciate the profound connection between Taiwan and Australia. Through this exhibition, we bridge distances, fostering a deeper understanding of our shared values and unique cultural expressions.
May this festival inspire a continued exchange of ideas, fostering friendships that transcend borders. Let us revel in the beauty of diversity and the shared threads that weave our stories together. Together, we embark on a cultural journey that celebrates the past, embraces the present, and paves the way for a future prosperous in understanding and harmony.
Thank you, and let the 2024 Taiwan Culture Festival unfold with joy, unity, and a celebration of our collective heritage”.
The event concluded with a group photo session and refreshments for all.

Spectacular Dragon to concludes Lantern Celebrations at Chung Tian Temple

The Iconic Chinese New Year celebrations concluded at Logan’s Chung Tian Temple, by a blessing of over 200 babies and toddlers, followed by a spectacular Dragon and Lion Dance.
The Lantern Celebrations marked the Lunar New Year, which dates back more than 4,500 years. Over 30,000 visitors participated in these celebrations at the temple during the fortnight of celebrations.

Visitors experienced some vibrant cultural offerings, including the delightful sounds of chanting resonating throughout the corridors, the fragrance of fresh flowers sifting gently through the air, and the graceful glow of rising smoke from burning incense as it created harmony for all who visited.

The taste buds were not neglected as there was a range of delightful Asian treats located throughout the temple’s three dining areas, together with the opportunity to partake in a Tea Chan Ceremony, some high mountain tea or sip some freshly brewed coffee with a range of delightful homemade cakes.

The temple held several activities, including:
• A fun train; • face painting; • children’s storytelling;
• three dining areas around the temple, including the Water Drop Tea and Coffee House;
• BLIAQ Scouts with plenty of fun activities, including an afternoon children’s concert;
• Calligraphy and lantern making; • Floral Workshop; • Cultural Performances;
• Art and book store: • Photo Booth; • Chinese Cultural Arts and Crafts;
• Incense, Flower and Light Offerings; • Ringing of the giant Blessing Bell;
• An Everlasting Star in Humanity – celebrating the life of Venerable Master Hsing Yun exhibition; • Tea Chan: • Meditation: • Tai Chi; • Buddhist Souvenir Shop
• The Dragon and Lion dance presented by the Shaolin Kung Fu Guang at 2:00 pm.
The Chinese New Year Celebrations, with free entry and a range of free events, are family-friendly and accessible events sponsored by the Logan City Council and supported by Multicultural Affairs Queensland.
Due to the popularity of these celebrations, visitors were advised to arrive early for all events due to heavy traffic.

South Bank Piazza Hosts Grand Pongal Festival Celebration 1st time in its 11 years of celebrations

Brisbane (13/01/2024) – The vibrant spirit of Pongal, the traditional South Indian harvest festival, illuminated the South Bank Piazza in Brisbane as the Queensland Tamil Mandram and Thaai Tamil School organised a spectacular celebration. The event was made possible with the generous support of title sponsors Tradern Australia and ARBT Prefab, and many other sponsors witnessed the participation of esteemed guests, including Hon MP Charis Mullen, Councillor Angela Owen, Senator Paul Scarr, Councillor Trina Massey, making it a truly memorable occasion.

The South Bank Piazza, adorned with colourful decorations and resonating with traditional music and dance sounds, has become the epicentre of cultural exchange and joyous festivities. Pongal, a harvest festival celebrated predominantly in the Tamil community, symbolises the abundance of the harvest season and is an occasion to express gratitude for nature’s bounties.

The Pongal committee worked tirelessly to bring the Pongal celebrations to South Bank Piazza, creating a sense of unity and cultural pride. The event aimed to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Tamil community and foster cross-cultural understanding among the diverse population of Brisbane.

This year’s Pongal Festival at South Bank piazza marked a departure from tradition and underscored the adaptability and resilience of cultural celebrations. The QTM TTS and sponsors have successfully paved the way for a new chapter in the continuous celebration of Pongal in Brisbane, solidifying the festival’s place in the city’s diverse cultural landscape.