Unity in Diversity: One and All Harmony Festival
Springfield Lakes, Queensland – March 23, 2024 – Laughter, camaraderie, and a vibrant celebration of multiculturalism marked the One and All Harmony Day Festival, hosted by the Vedanta Centre in Springfield Lakes on Saturday, March 23rd. On a tropical Saturday afternoon, families and friends gathered for an evening of free entertainment and cultural exchange.
The festival, dedicated to commemorating Australian multiculturalism and the successful integration of migrants into the community, was a resounding success, drawing in about 450 attendees. From lively jumping castle, market stalls from local businesses, delectable cuisine and groovy beats of live music and mesmerizing dance, the event offered something for everyone.
This years festival featured pperformances by Uncle Glenn Barry (Welcome to Country), Ashwini Nandkumar (Bharatanatyam dancer), Singers from Philippines, Sargam Music Academy, African Drumming group Balaki Balaka, PanAlchemy featuring Tsoof Baras and Darshil Shah on handpans and bansuri flute.
Reflecting on the event, organizers expressed their joy at witnessing the diverse community coming together in the spirit of friendship and unity. “I think it’s a real strength to have diversity,” said one participant. “How lucky we are to have all these incredible cultures living within a few kilometers of each other, being able to share their incredible culture with each other.”
The sentiment was echoed by Swami Atmeshananda, resident monk and head of Vedanta Centre Brisbane, “In a world that is increasingly less tolerant of difference, the message of Vedanta is extremely important. Vedanta teaches that we are part of a larger, interconnected whole and we must not just tolerate others, but accept people as they are. The One and All Harmony Festival is a small effort towards this goal and small efforts ultimately lead to great results.”
Harmony Day, celebrated annually on March 21st, is a testament to inclusiveness, respect, and belonging for all Australians, irrespective of their cultural or linguistic backgrounds. “Events like today are really important because we live in a society that is so diverse,” noted Menaka Thomas, volunteer production manager. “Australia is the land that welcomes and integrates people from all around the world, and they call Australia home.”
The One and All Harmony Day Festival serves as a reminder of the richness that diversity brings to our communities and the importance of fostering an inclusive society where everyone feels valued and respected.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
Sally Kinnaird, Communications Coordinator, Vedanta Centre Brisbane (sally@vedantabrisbane.org, 0426430292)
