BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Brisbane - 2022 QLD Parliament Diwali & Annakut Celebrations

On Thursday 10th November 2022, between 6.30 pm to 8:00 pm BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Brisbane hosted the celebration of the auspicious Hindu festival of Diwali and Annakut in Queensland Parliament House with the support of Hon. Leanne Linard, Minister for Children and Youth Justice and Minister for Multicultural Affairs.

Diwali, commonly known as the Festival of Lights, is a celebration of the sentiments of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance and good over evil. It is a time during which Hindu's from around the world light traditional lamps and pray for peace, prosperity and ask the Lord to dispel ignorance and bring spiritual enlightenment.

This year's Diwali celebration was dedicated to the real heroes, the front-line health workers, the Corona warriors. The staff from Princess Alexandra Hospital, Metro South Health and Queensland Health Department were specially invited to this event.

Dr. Jeannette Young, Chief Health Officer of Queensland was there to present the Diyas to all the front-line health workers and honored them by presenting them Diyas (traditional clay lamps) as they truly deserve the Diyas signifying the light over darkness and they have actually made a difference to a number of families saving their loved ones.

Annakut, the following day after Diwali, marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year. On this day, the Annakut, or ‘mountain of food,’ is offered to the Lord as a symbol of appreciation and gratitude. Devotees lovingly prepare vegetarian delicacies and offer them to the lord while singing devotional songs.

THE CHIEF GUESTS OF THE EVENING WERE:

Hon Steven Miles

Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning.

Hon Shannon Fentiman

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Minister for Women and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence

Mr. Davis CrisafulliLeader of Opposition

Mrs. Archana Singh, Honorary Consul of India, Brisbane

Mr. Simon Kelly

Executive Director Simon Kelly of the Communications, Culture and Engagement Division of Queensland Police

Rena Fallon, Regional Director North, Department of Home Affairs

Apart from the above chief guest,

there were Inspector Jackey Honeywood Multicultural Unit QPS, Mr Anoop Nannuru, FICQ President, Mrs. Lisa Ward, CEO of ECCQ, Dr Adam Bowles, Head of Department of History UQ, Ms. Julie McDougall Executive Director of Multicultural Affairs and the representatives of various Indian communities and religious organizations attended the event.

The function begins with the recitation of the Shanti Paath to usher peace into everyone's hearts and minds followed by Thaal (Offering food to God) and Aarti Speeches were delivered by Hon Steve Miles, Hon Shannon Fentiman, Mr. Davis Crisafulli, Mrs. Archana Singh, Mr. Simon Kelly, and Rena Fallon

Hon Steven Miles and Mr. Crisafulli acknowledged the significant contributions made by the BAPS organization and the Indian community at large to Australia. They reflected on the values of Hinduism, and Diwali, and were proud to see them being displayed through BAPS in Queensland Parliament. Both parliamentarians noted the significance of the Indian diaspora to the Queensland state and appreciated the hardworking and entrepreneurial nature of the Indian community and BAPS volunteerism.

Mrs. Archana Singh reinforced one of the key messages of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj of Unity, and that unity was one of the key values that leaders of all the Indian communities should guard as sacred, and that unity between the Indian community and the wider Queensland community should never be broken at any cost.

She admired the BAPS initiatives to establish the Vedic Indian traditions and values to maintain the significance of celebrating the festival in their true sense and spirit.

Mr. Simon Kelly and Rena Fallon commended the hard efforts put on by BAPS volunteers and their commitment towards the community and following the motto of BAPS Guru “ In the joy of Other, lies our own”. She also appreciated the BAPS volunteers to make this event happen and be successful.

All chief guests were welcomed traditionally with presented garlands of fresh flowers.

Over 60 distinguished Members of Parliament, Honorary Consul’s, respected leaders of various Indian and Hindu communities, and BAPS guests attended this vibrant event in the Premiers & Speaker’s Hall of the Parliament House.

On display, and the highlight of the event was the offering of grand Annakut (“mountain of

food”) where a vast array of pure vegetarian food is traditionally arranged in tiers or steps resulting in a spectacular display.

The event was extremely well received by all attendees and served as a valuable opportunity to strengthen inter-community relationships as well as relationships with Members of the QLD Parliament.

This grand event was concluded with the Aarti ritual and followed by a sit-down round-table dinner.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) is a worldwide spiritual and humanitarian organization that is dedicated to community service, peace, and harmony. Motivated by Hindu principles, BAPS strives to care for the world by caring for societies, families, and individuals. Through various spiritual and humanitarian activities, BAPS endeavors to develop better citizens of tomorrow with high esteem for their roots and culture. Its 3,300 international centers support these character-building activities. Under the guidance and leadership of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, BAPS aspires to build a community that is free of addictions as well as morally, ethically, and spiritually pure. For more details, please visit www. baps.org.

Media Release and Images: Courtesy of BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, Brisbane.

For further information please direct queries to

Jaynesh Brahmbhatt , PRO0426 061 086Baps.brisbanepr@gmail.com