Diwali festival leaves colourful mark on Whittlesea community

Mill Park’s Hindu BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandirs temple community went all out to celebra

Mill Park’s Hindu BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandirs temple community went all out to celebrate the Diwali festival. Picture: Sarah Matray

THE Indian festival of lights, Diwali, has left its colourful mark on Whittlesea.

Mill Park’s Hindu BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandirs temple community went all out to celebrate the festival, coming together with offerings of lights, ­vibrant colours, music, dancing, mountains of food and the energy of its devoted members.

More than 2500 people marked the last day of the Hindu calendar year (Diwali) and welcomed the new year with the Annkut, which sees mountains of food offered to God in gratitude.

 

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandirs temple member Sandeep Bhimani said the temple’s community was proud to have been able to share the significant festival.

“It’s not just a place for Indian Hindus, but it’s a place for the entire community to share each other’s festivals, joys, sorrows, serve others and live with each other with peace and harmony,” Mr Bhimani said.

 

The Diwali festival is one of the biggest celebrations in Indian culture. Picture: Sarah

The Diwali festival is one of the biggest celebrations in Indian culture. Picture: Sarah Matray

 

Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship Minister Matthew Guy, Northern Metropolitan Region state Liberal MP Craig Ondarchie and Whittlesea Mayor Mary Lalios also attended the festivities.

Mernda hosted its own Diwali festival with more than 8000 people attending the community event at Buttercross Park.

The events were held on Saturday, October 25.

Source: heraldsun.com.au