ABC bullion rises to Diwali challenge with launch of limited-edition gold and silver coins

from September 2022 edition of Desi Australia Digital Magazine

Celebration of Language and Literature: Hindi Diwas 2022

ABC Bullion, Australasia’s largest independent precious metals and bullion dealer, has launched two new, limited-edition products – gold and silver coins embossed with Lakshmi, the Hindu Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity in celebration of Diwali at an exclusive event attended by prominent Indian community and business leaders on 30 August 2022. ABC Bullion’s Diwali coins are part of the annual mintage and the exquisitely crafted 5g gold coin and 1oz silver coins are expected to sell out in anticipation of the festival of lights, which is celebrated by one of the largest and fastest growing diasporas in Australia.

The Indian diaspora has registered 47 per cent growth in the past four years according to Census 2021.

Janie Simpson, Managing Director of ABC Bullion, said: “ABC Bullion is a leading and inclusive organisation who understands their customers’ special needs, especially aligned to festive periods such as Diwali. Australian Indians have made significant contributions to the Australian economy and enriched our multicultural society. To celebrate Indian people, culture, and accomplishments, we wanted to create something specifically for this flourishing community which we hope will be well received. Diwali celebrations are the perfect opportunity to tap into the very auspicious tradition of buying gold and silver among Indians.”

Each coin is backed by its purity certificate and comes in a luxurious presentation box. These limitededition Diwali coins will be available for purchase on a special Diwali link on the ABC Bullion website which will go live from 20th September 2022 onwards. Stay tuned for updates via social media.

Australian Indian CEO, Sheba Nandkeolyar from MultiConnexions Group, said: “I am absolutely blown away by the beauty of these intricately designed Diwali limitededition silver and gold coins. What a gift to the Australian Indian community, who will be celebrating Diwali next month. ABC Bullion is certainly an organisation which connects with the hearts of their audience and understands their special needs.”

Prominent Indian community and business leaders at the VIP launch praised ABC Bullion’s initiative of crafting these beautiful gold and silver coins for Diwali and expressed their eagerness to purchase as soon as they were available.

ONAM ASHAMSAGAL

By: Poornima Menon

Come September and this small state in the southern part of India spruces itself up for fun and festivities. It is Onam, the harvest festival of Kerala. It is different from other festivals as it transcends barriers of caste, creed and religion, and is celebrated by all Keralites – all Hindus, Muslims and Christians. It is a celebration of goodness, a celebration of giving and a celebration of plenty. This year Thiruvonam fell on 8th September.

Onam is a part of the cultural heritage and repertoire of every Malayalee. It is a harmonious blend of myth and reality. Myth has it that when Kerala was ruled by the legendry king Mahabali, prosperity, equality, righteousness and plenty reigned. Gods fearing his growing power and popularity, requested Lord Vishnu to help them. Vishnu, in the guise of a Brahmin lad, (vamana avatar) visited the king and asked him for three paces of land in alms. The king agreed in spite of seeing divine interference. Growing in size, the little lad assumed the size of a giant. It is said that with his first two steps he covered the entire land and when he had no space for his third step, the humble king bowed down and offered himself. He was then pushed into the netherworld. It is believed that Mahabali visits his subjects once every year, a boon granted by the Almighty. Onam commemorates the memory of this Asura king, his glorious reign and his return to visit his people.

Onam brings the Malayalees from across the globe together. Many visit Kerala during this time to celebrate the festival with their family and close relatives. In Kerala, the festivities last for ten days. The front courtyards are cleaned and then cleansed with cow dung. Floral designs (Pookalam) in various sizes and designs adorn the entrances of every home. The ladies get together for “Thiruvathira”, the popular traditional folk dance of Kerala. “Vallamkali” or the boat race in the waters of Pampa at Aranmulla is an attractive feature of this festival where men row the snake boats and teams race each other to the beat of drums and cymbals. Every nook and corner echo the sounds of the festivities. Small pandals are put up for various cultural programs. At certain venues, age old dance forms like “Thayyam” and “Kathakali” are performed by professionals. The stage is set to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Kerala. The Onam “sadhya” or feast is a culinary highlight for which preparations begin the previous day.

Sydney is no stranger to these festivities. There are many associations in different areas across Sydney that celebrate Onam on different days. It is the perfect time to meet and catch up with your Malayalee compatriots and to dress in the traditional kasavu saree or mundum veshti. It is also great to see kids and youngsters dressed in the traditional attire. The aim at every celebration is to recreate a mini-Kerala. There is nostalgia and a deep feeling of camaraderie. It is endearing to watch young Keralites born in Australia dancing to tunes of and singing popular Malayalam songs. I hope the spirit and tenets of Onam will continue to guide our lives as we look forward to the next celebration in 2023. Let us continue to open our hearts to the goodness and positivity around us without expecting anything in return. May we, in spite of all our differences, continue to live in harmony and have mutual respect for all members of our society and our country at large. Let us cherish and celebrate the simple things in life. Let the spirit of Onam continue to brighten our lives. Onam Ashamsagal !

Adelaide Pakistanis Sports and Food Gala

By: Daljeet Bakshi

Adelaide Pakistanis Multicultural Group organised Adelaide Pakistanis sports and food gala at St Clair Recreation Centre.

APMG team Labeeb Ahmed (President), Lubna Hammad (Vice President), Hammad Zafar, Asif Jalil and team of volunteers did remarkable work presenting and organising the event. This event was attended by 1000 people and from all ages participated in different games which included Ladies and girl’s badminton, Girls Netball, Table tennis, Indoor Cricket, Indoor Soccer, boy’s netball and Basketball along with 8 different Pakistani food stalls with 16 delicious food items.

Other than Pakistani community, different community leaders from different communities and dignitaries also attended the event.

Team APMG said “we always believe in strengthening community by promoting sports and small businesses to flourish under one roof and we are so pleased to see the calibre of our players, improvements and new talent coming up. It’s our biggest event of the year as well as one of a biggest event of Pakistani community as well. Our other motive is to strengthen our bond with other communities as well and in this regards we did India Pakistan Sports Day as well recently in March”.

Team APMG also said, “The love we are getting from our community is remarkable, where people flourishing their love for sports and food, enthusiastic participation and cherishing their teams and players that shows our involvement and commitment towards rich Australian culture”.