Multicultural Carnival Brings Festive Cheer to Mt Gravatt Showgrounds
Mt Gravatt, Saturday 25th May — The South East Qld Islamic Association’s Multicultural Carnival, Eid Mela Carnival 2024 at the Mt Gravatt Showgrounds was a vibrant and joyous event, overcoming early challenges posed by the morning rain. Despite the wet start, organizers remained determined and improvised under the circumstances, ensuring the festivities went ahead with only a slight delay.
The program, initially scheduled to commence at 10:00 AM, began at 11:30 AM with VIP guests showing commendable patience. The event started with a heartfelt Welcome to Country by Uncle Josef Kirk, beautifully complemented by a didgeridoo performance by his grandson following a Quran Tilawat by Imam Abdul Kadir Safaqui of Ormeau. The Chief Guest, Senator Paul Scarr, officially opened the carnival, followed by a convivial brunch over tea and coffee with other dignitaries. Among the dignitaries included the Mayor of Logan Cr. John Raven, Cr Stephen Huang of Macgregor Ward, Hussain Baba, Sanjeshni Deo, Shahban Ali, Nasib Mohammed, Jani King representative, Mac Trans representative Robert among many others.
Hussain Baba led a lively food competition for the food stalls, which was warmly received and featured numerous prizes. As the day progressed, the weather improved, the sun came out, and the crowd began to grow. By 3:00 PM, the showgrounds were packed with families and children, creating a truly festive atmosphere.
The carnival featured a variety of kids’ programs and competitions, which delighted children of all ages. Generous sponsors provided many free giveaway prizes and gifts, adding to the excitement. The Hamblyn Harris Hall was bustling with activity, as ladies and girls displayed and sold clothing, jewelry, perfumes, and other artifacts. An Islamic fashion catwalk parade, held exclusively for the ladies, was a highlight, greatly enjoyed by all and boosting merchandise sales.
As evening approached, the food stalls were at peak trade, serving the large crowd that had gathered. People indulged in international street food cuisine with the smell of freshly cooked food filling the air while they all waited for the fireworks to start. Parking spaces were filled, and cars lined the nearby streets. Stage programs continued well into the night, building anticipation for the finale fireworks. The event culminated in a spectacular fireworks display which was sponsored by Mac Trans Heavy Haulage,at 8:00 PM, marking a memorable end to a day filled with multicultural celebration and community spirit.
The SEQIA extends heartfelt thanks to all participants, guests, volunteers, and sponsors for their support and contributions, which made the Multicultural Carnival a tremendous success. Special mention is made to our major sponsors, Mac Trans Heavy Haulage, Harcourt Elite Group, RWI Spray Painting, Jani King, The Greens, MATW Project and Brisbane Indian Times. We are greatly indebted to Jitendra and Sanjeshni Deo for continuing to give us the publicity through their media outlets and for being long time supporters and well wishes of Eid Mela Carnival multicultural initiative in getting the multi -ethnic communities together. We look forward to seeing everyone again next year for an even bigger and more vibrant celebration.
For more information, please contact: Raj Raaz (Robert) SEQIA General Secretary/Event Coordinator Eid Mela Carnival 0402651045
